Spotsylvania County, VA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Sec. 9-45 defines fireworks broadly as any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket, or other object containing an explosive or inflammable compound intended to explode, rise, or travel, and separately defines 'permissible fireworks' as sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, pistol caps, and whirligigs or spinning jennies. Sec. 9-46 explains the division exists to permit displays for fair associations, amusement parks, and organizations. Sec. 9-48 lays out the application: a written request in triplicate to the fire marshal at least 30 days before the display, naming a designated individual responsible for compliance and at least one person in responsible charge who holds a valid pyrotechnician certification from the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office and has run a fireworks display on six occasions within a 24-month period.

3G fireworks need a site diagram showing the discharge point, nearby buildings, highways, overhead obstructions, and audience restraint lines, plus a malfunction-response plan reviewed before the permit issues. The applicant must furnish a $1 million certificate of insurance naming the county, its agents, and employees as additional insureds. Sec. 9-48(g) exempts permissible fireworks from any permit or certification requirement when used on private property with the owner's consent. Once approved, Sec. 9-49 starts a 30-day storage-and-display window from the date the fire marshal signs the application.

Sec. 9-51 requires fireworks storage to meet the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and NFPA 1123 or 1126, Sec. 9-52 requires a certified pyrotechnician to supervise every display in person, and Sec. 9-54 keeps spectators back to the minimum distance the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Section 5608 sets.