Fireworks Illegal in Falls Church City

City of Falls Church residents found with consumer fireworks could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Tom Polera, fire marshal for the city, said possession, manufacturing, storage and the sale of fireworks in “The Little City,” is illegal. He said all consumer fireworks are illegal. The list of illegal fireworks includes:

• Firecrackers
• Torpedoes
• Skyrockets
• Roman candles
• Sparklers or other devices of like construction and any or other devices containing any explosive or flammable compound

The definition of "fireworks," according to the City of Falls Church Fire Prevention Code SFPC-3302.1, includes any combustible or explosive composition, or any substance or combination of substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation.

According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research, every Fourth of July, thousands of people (most often children and teens) are injured while using consumer fireworks. In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $38 million in direct property damage.