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Arlington County, VA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Fireworks manufacture: Prohibited countywide, § 5608.1
Consumer possession/sale/use: Unlawful, § 5608.1.1
Permissible fireworks list: Virginia State Fire Marshal's list only
Public property use: Prohibited outright
Display permit lead time: 60 days before event
Display insurance minimum: $5,000,000 liability coverage

Summary

Arlington County bans manufacturing, transporting, storing, selling, or discharging fireworks anywhere in the county, and prohibits all fireworks use on public property, even for the state's permissible-fireworks list.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Arlington County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

5608.1.1 Prohibited activities. Except as provided for in section 5608, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transport, manufacture, store, possess, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale or to buy, use, ignite, or explode any fireworks within Arlington County. Fireworks that explode or emit flames or sparks to a distance greater than twelve (12) feet or which are projectiles and quick match fuses are prohibited. 5608.1.2 Permissible fireworks. Only fireworks listed on the current year of the Virginia Permissible Fireworks list published by the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office are permitted. The use of permissible fireworks on public property is prohibited.

View official code

Full Breakdown

1 of the Arlington County Fire Prevention Code prohibits the manufacture of fireworks within Arlington County outright and requires anyone who displays, sells, offers to sell, or discharges fireworks to comply with the section and all other applicable laws. 1 goes further, making it unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transport, manufacture, store, possess, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, buy, use, ignite, or explode any fireworks within the county, and it specifically bars fireworks that explode or emit flames or sparks more than 12 feet, along with any projectile or quick-match-fuse fireworks.

5 inches long that burns for at least 4 seconds and produces flame or sparks no farther than 12 feet; even permissible fireworks require the express written permission of the property owner to use on private property, and permissible fireworks use on public property is prohibited outright. 1 before the Fire Prevention Office will issue the permit.

Violations & Fines

Manufacturing, storing, selling, or discharging fireworks in violation of §§ 5608.1 and 5608.1.1, including possessing fireworks not on the Virginia Permissible Fireworks list or using permissible fireworks on public property, is enforced by the Arlington County Fire Prevention Office and can result in confiscation and prosecution; a public display without the required ATF license, pyrotechnician license, and $5,000,000 insurance certificate will not receive a permit under § 5608.2.1.1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally set off fireworks in my Arlington County backyard?

Only fireworks on the current Virginia Permissible Fireworks list qualify, and even those require the property owner's express written permission under § 5608.1.2; most consumer fireworks, including anything that throws sparks past 12 feet or is a projectile, are banned outright by § 5608.1.1.

Can I use sparklers or fireworks at a public park?

No. Section 5608.1.2 states that the use of permissible fireworks on public property is prohibited, even though limited private-property use of state-approved fireworks is allowed with the owner's permission.

What does a professional fireworks display need to get permitted?

An application filed at least 60 days ahead under § 5608.2, current ATF and Virginia State Fire Marshal pyrotechnician licenses, a misfire contingency plan, and a certificate showing at least $5,000,000 in combined general liability insurance under § 5608.2.1.1.

Sources & Official References

[1]Arlington County Code Ch. 8.1, Fire Prevention Code (§ 5608.1)

Other rules in Arlington County

Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome Restrictions Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome Restrictions Propane StorageSome Restrictions Outdoor BurningHeavy Restrictions Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: MicrochippingLight Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Arlington County rules

How Arlington County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Arlington County to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview

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