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Fairfax County, VA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

Consumer fireworks
Banned unless Fire Marshal-approved 1.4G
Manufacture of fireworks
Prohibited countywide, no exception
Retail sale permit
Fire Marshal's Office, max 45 days
Sales insurance required
$5,000,000 combined-limit liability policy
Tent/structure buffer
100 feet, no fireworks inside or near
Maximum penalty
12 months jail and/or $2,500 fine
Who enforces
Fire Marshal's Office and County police

Summary

Fairfax County makes it unlawful to transport, manufacture, store, possess, sell, buy, use, ignite or explode any fireworks under Fire Prevention Code Section 5608.1.1.1. The manufacture of fireworks is banned countywide outright. Only Fire Marshal's Office-approved 1.4G consumer fireworks and permitted public displays escape the ban, and violations are a Class 1 misdemeanor.

City-specific rules exist: Fairfax, and Herndon have their own fireworks rules that differ from Fairfax County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

5608.1.1 Unlawful activities. Add Subsections as follows: 5608.1.1.1 Unlawful activities. Except as hereinafter provided, 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. 5608.1 General... The manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within the County.

Source: Fairfax County Fire Marshal – FireworksView official code

Full Breakdown

1 separately declares that "the manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within the County" with no exception at all. 4G "permissible fireworks" that the Fire Marshal's Office has approved, and those may be used only on private property with the owner's permission; selling or storing any fireworks on someone else's property without written permission is separately prohibited, as is selling to minors unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. 1 with the same insurance requirement. 2. 2.

Violations & Fines

Violating Section 5608.1.1.1 or any related Chapter 62 fire code amendment is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Fairfax County Code Section 62-1-1: up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both, with each day a violation continues after notice treated as a separate offense. The fire official may also seize and dispose of illegal fireworks under Section 5601.7, at the owner's expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consumer fireworks legal in Fairfax County?
Only if they are 1.4G "permissible fireworks" the Fire Marshal's Office has approved. Section 5608.1.1.1 bans possessing, buying, using, or igniting fireworks generally; the 1.4G exception in 5608.1.2 is the sole way around that ban, and use is limited to private property with the owner's consent.
Can I buy fireworks from a roadside stand in the county?
Only from a retailer holding a Fire Marshal's Office permit under Section 5608.2.3, which runs a maximum of 45 days and requires the seller to carry $5,000,000 in combined-limit liability insurance. Selling fireworks without that permit is unlawful.
Can I set off fireworks near a tent at an event?
No. Section 3104.5 bars fireworks from being manufactured, stored, sold, displayed, or used inside or within 100 feet of any tent or membrane structure, regardless of whether the fireworks themselves are otherwise permissible.
What happens if I'm caught with illegal fireworks?
It's a Class 1 misdemeanor under Section 62-1-1, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, or both. The fire official can also seize and dispose of the fireworks at the owner's expense under Section 5601.7.
Who enforces the fireworks ban, fire staff or police?
Both. Section 104.1.2 specifically empowers Fairfax County police officers, not just Fire Marshal's Office staff, to enforce the fireworks provisions countywide and on County-owned property outside the County's own boundaries.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfax County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsPropane StorageSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Fairfax County rules

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

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Fireworks in Cities Across Fairfax County

Fairfax, VAHerndon, VAVienna, VA