Fire Department Reminds Alexandrians That Fireworks Are Illegal

As Alexandria approaches the fireworks-laden July 4th holiday and the city's own birthday celebration the following week, the Alexandria Fire Department is reminding anyone who visits, lives and works in the city that it is unlawful for any person to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use or explode any fireworks within city limits. And that includes sparklers.

Offenses are Class One misdemeanors in the City of Alexandria and are punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to 12 months in prison.

Fire Department spokesman Robert Rodriguez says leave it to the professionals who know how to handle fireworks. 

More than 9,600 fireworks injuries occur annually, according to the Fire Department.  Of these, 62% of fireworks injuries are burns, while 20% are lacerations. Young people suffer the majority of fireworks injuries, which can result in amputations, severe eye injuries, disfigurement or death.