Just an important annual reminder this year to be both safe and respectful to your neighbors. This time of year the number of complaints rises significantly because people are discharged fireworks well into the late hours at night and into the wee-hours of the morning. Pets, young children and others, combat veterans may be adversely affected by the discharge of loud fireworks. Please be mindful of others.
Additionally, it has been very hot and dry in recent days and the risk of fire is increased at this time. A wildfire sparked by the discharge of illegal fireworks in this community could have potentially significant and catastrophic consequences. Please exercise extreme caution with legal fireworks and refrain from discharging illegal fireworks. Possessing, selling or using unlawful fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of $2,500.
From the Virginia Department of Forestry:
While legal fireworks and sparklers are a popular part of July 4th celebrations, they are a danger to users, pets, and the environment. In many areas of Virginia, fireworks could become a cause of wildfires.
Fireworks that have finished burning are still extremely hot, and they can smolder in dry grass or leaves before a fire ignites. One spark is all it would take for a wildfire to start.
Many types of fireworks (including firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, skyrockets, torpedoes and other fireworks that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles into the air) are illegal in Virginia unless you are a licensed contractor.
For more information, click on the link above to the Virginia Department of Forestry, and please be safe and courteous out there!
