Fairfax County, VA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Virginia's 2021 fireworks reform (HB 2201/SB 1452) expanded statewide legality for consumer fireworks, but VA Code §27-97 expressly preserves local authority to ban them. Fairfax County has exercised this authority through Chapter 62 of the County Code (Fire Prevention Code), which incorporates the Statewide Fire Prevention Code and adds local restrictions. The County prohibits possession, sale, storage, transportation, manufacture, and discharge of "fireworks" except for "permissible fireworks" — defined narrowly as sparklers, fountains, pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, and snakes/glow worms that do not explode, rise into the air, or travel laterally. Firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, mortars, and bottle rockets are all banned. Violators face Class 1 misdemeanor charges (up to 12 months jail, $2,500 fine), plus civil liability for any fire or injury caused. The Fire Marshal's Office actively enforces around July 4 and New Year's Eve, with increased patrols in Reston, Burke, Annandale, and other densely populated areas. Public fireworks displays require a permit from the Fire Marshal (Chapter 62) and must comply with NFPA 1123. Nearby Washington DC and Maryland have different rules; bringing fireworks purchased out-of-state (even legally) into Fairfax County is still a violation.