What You Need to Know About Fireworks

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 26, 2012

               What You Need to Know About Fireworks

                Fireworks are not only dangerous, but ILLEGAL                                                                 

Rockville - - - The Fourth of July is right around the corner and Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and that the County will be continuing its ‘zero tolerance’ policy regarding illegal fireworks.

In an effort to stress the seriousness posed by the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks, Fire Officials across the region launched a comprehensive effort several years ago to inform and educate the public about illegal fireworks. “The law in Montgomery County is clear and the safest, and smartest, way to enjoy fireworks is to enjoy one of the many public displays in the area,” said Fire Chief Bowers.

Here’s what you should know:

The Law:
It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

What fireworks are legal?
In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?
No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.

Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?
No. You can not have a private display; however, you can apply to have a public display with proper permits and insurance.

Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by a public carrier?
No. It doesn’t matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland. Fireworks are still illegal in Montgomery County.


Where do I report violations involving fireworks?
Residents should call 301-279-8000. Do NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help. Unnecessary 911 calls can prevent people with real emergencies from reaching 911 and getting help.

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?
The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the many free, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4^th. Public fireworks displays, conducted by trained professionals, are the smartest and safest way to view fireworks because they are established under controlled settings and safety regulations and monitored by public safety organizations. Area July 4^th displays include:

 • Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland. (301) 258-6350. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. Entertainment at 7 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

• Rockville, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland. Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

• Boyds/Germantown, Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, Maryland. (240) 777-6820. Family concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

• Poolesville, Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland. Live music begins at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle. (301) 972-8888.

• Kensington/Wheaton, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington, Maryland. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximately
at 9:15 p.m. Since there will be no on-site parking at the school or at adjacent properties, except for handicapped parking, free shuttle bus service will pick up passengers beginning at 6:15 p.m. at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station.

• Takoma Park, Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Maryland. (301) 270-6876. Parade at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Lastly, while fireworks displays can be exciting they can be extremely stressful and frightening for your pets. Leave your pets at home, be sure they are wearing proper identification so they can be reunited with owners should they get lost or run away and never leave pets in a locked car since vehicles can heat up to dangerous levels in just minutes.    

The below video is from a region wide press conference held last week here in Montgomery County.  It shows you what can occur when you are attempting to use illegal fire works.