OFFICE OF THE Fauquier County Department of Fire, Rescue and

Emergency Management
FIRE MARSHAL Fire Marshal Office
62 Culpeper Street
Warrenton, VA 20186
Main Office (540) 422-8800
www.fauquierfirerescue.org

Press Release
Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Russell Baker, Fire Marshal June 18, 2019
540-422-8823

How to celebrate safely on the Fourth of July

Warrenton, VA – If you choose to purchase your own fireworks, the Fire Marshal Office provides important
information and a list of Permissible fireworks in Virginia. If you choose to use fireworks, proceed with
caution and follow these safety tips!

Consumer fireworks, namely sparklers and ground based fountains, are legal to possess and use on
private property. You should only purchase legal consumer fireworks from a local business or roadside
stand possessing fireworks that are listed on the permissible fireworks list. These fireworks have been
tested to ensure they meet the Consumer Products Safety Commission's requirements.

Consumer fireworks listed on the permissible fireworks list should be used according to manufacturer
specifications.

Consumer fireworks that rise into the air, explode, travel laterally on the ground or emit projectiles are
illegal to possess or use anywhere in Virginia. Possession and/or use of these or any fireworks or
materials is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

For backyard displays using legal consumer fireworks, wet down the area before use to prevent
accidental fires. Ground based fireworks should be placed on open, stable, flat surfaces, keeping
onlookers at least 20 feet from the display.

Adult supervision is critical! Only competent adults should ignite and supervise the use of fireworks.
Adults should supervise the use of sparklers as they burn at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees,
hot enough to cause severe burns and ignite clothing. Keep children from running while using sparklers.

Used fireworks should be placed in a metal container, soaked with water, and allowed to cool overnight
in a location that is at least 15 feet away from any building or structure. Re-check the container in the
morning to ensure nothing is smoldering, then properly dispose of the wet materials.

Never pick up fireworks that were "duds' or did not fire, as they may still be active! Wait 20 minutes and
treat as spent fireworks, soaking overnight and placing in a metal container with a lid, away from any
structure.

Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and
16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and
an average of $43 million in direct property damage.
In 2017, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related
injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head. Children younger than
15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2017 injuries.
The following is a list of permitted aerial display of fireworks on the fourth of July in Fauquier County:

2019 Wegmans Great Meadow 4th of July Celebration 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA 20198
For more information and tickets visit https://www.greatmeadow.org/independence-day-celebration.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Fauquier County Department of Fire, Rescue and
Emergency Management, Fire Marshal Office at 540/422-8823. Information about fire prevention can be found on
our website at http://fcfra.camp9.org/Fire.

(ENDS)

Fauquier County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management 540-422-8800 www.fauquierfirerescue.org