With Independence Day rapidly approaching (and one of the largest fireworks shows soon to light up skies around Washington), you may be wondering: Where is it legal to set off your own fireworks?
Maryland
Setting off fireworks is largely against Maryland law. Consumer use of fireworks and sparklers is illegal in these places:
- Montgomery County
- Howard County
- Prince George’s County
- Harford County
- Baltimore
- Ocean City
In Baltimore County, as well as much of southern and western Maryland, it’s legal to purchase and use hand-held and ground-based sparkler devices. If you’re feeling a bit dismayed, take heart: Here’s a list of public fireworks displays for your perusal.
D.C.
Firecrackers, bottle rockets, cherry bombs, artillery shells and Roman candles are illegal in the nation’s capital.
What is permitted? Short sparklers (shorter than 20 inches at least), dip-sticks, torches, cones, box fires, and fountains. Check the labels, folks.
Virginia
Virginia has a fair amount of fireworks that are legal across the state. Here’s what’s allowed:
- Sparklers
- Fountains
- Pharaoh’s serpents
- Pinwheels
- Whirligigs
But, “firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes, and other fireworks which explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles into the air” are all against Virginia law. Check with your fire department, city, or county government for what’s allowed in your area as laws can vary from city to county.
If you plan to set off your own Fourth of July display, local fire departments recommend keeping a bucket of water, wet towel, and working garden hose nearby. Children and pets should be kept at a safe distance from the light show. And again, there are plenty of public displays out there to watch.
Though more fireworks are legal in nearby Pennsylvania and Delaware, taking them across state lines is not. So before you buy in a neighboring state, decide whether it’s worth the risk of fines or possible arrest.
Have a safe and happy Fourth!
This story originally appeared on WAMU.
