Alexandria bans the possession, sale, storage, and use of all consumer fireworks within city limits, including sparklers and novelty items that may be legal in surrounding Virginia jurisdictions. Violations are Class 1 misdemeanors punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and/or one year in jail. Permitted professional displays are the only exception, regulated under City Code §4-2-21.
Fireworks regulation in Alexandria is built on Virginia Code §27-97, which authorizes localities to adopt fire prevention regulations, and §59.1-148.1 et seq. governing fireworks statewide. Alexandria implements its ban through the Alexandria City Code Title 4 (Public Safety), Chapter 2 (Fire Protection and Prevention), Article B, including §4-2-21 governing local changes to the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. The city prohibits possessing, selling, storing, or using any fireworks within city limits, including consumer-grade items that are legal elsewhere in Virginia, such as sparklers and novelty items. The only legal use is a permitted aerial fireworks display: applicants must submit a complete application to the fire official at least 45 days before the scheduled event, including an insurance policy naming the City of Alexandria as co-insured, a site plan showing discharge, spectator, viewing, parking, and fallout areas with distances, distances to all tents/buildings/structures, a complete list of aerial fireworks, and the type and amount of fire protection on hand. The Fire Marshal's Office enforces the ban; residents can report violations 24 hours per day at 703.746.4444. The city points residents to permitted local displays, including the City Birthday celebration on July 12 and First Night Alexandria, as legal alternatives.
Violations of the city's fireworks ban are Class 1 misdemeanors under Virginia law, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. The Fire Marshal's Office may also seize fireworks and pursue civil enforcement against property owners who allow illegal use on their property.
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