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Henrico County, VA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

All consumer fireworks
Banned countywide
Sparklers and fountains
Also prohibited
Only legal option
Fire marshal display permit
Permit lead time
At least 60 days, in writing
Exempt
Auto flares, small paper caps

Summary

Henrico bans possessing, selling, storing, or using any fireworks, including 'permissible' fountains and sparklers. Only supervised public displays under a fire marshal permit are legal. This is stricter than state law and applies to every resident countywide.

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

No person may store, possess, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or use or explode any fireworks, as that term is defined in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, except that a person may conduct a supervised public display of fireworks pursuant to a permit granted by the fire marshal.

Source: Henrico County Code Ch. 11 §11-20 — Fireworks ProhibitedView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 11-20 was adopted under Va. Code § 27-97 to be MORE restrictive than the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. It bars any fireworks that explode, rise into the air, or travel laterally, and it expressly includes 'permissible fireworks' such as fountains and sparklers. The only exemptions are automobile flares and paper caps holding under 0.25 grains of explosive. A supervised public display is lawful only under a fire marshal permit applied for in writing at least 60 days ahead; the permit is non-transferable.

Violations & Fines

Enforced by the fire chief, who may obtain an arrest warrant (§ 11-3). A fireworks violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 27-100 (up to $2,500 and 12 months in jail).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sparklers legal in Henrico County?
No. Section 11-20 defines 'fireworks' to include 'permissible fireworks' such as sparklers and fountains, so they are banned along with all other consumer fireworks.
Can I set off fireworks at home on July 4th?
No. Only a supervised public display under a fire marshal permit is lawful; private residential use of any fireworks is prohibited countywide.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Henrico County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions

All Henrico County rules

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

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