The Fourth of July is right around the corner
and Montgomery County Fire Chief Steve Lohr 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 at one of the many public displays in
the area,” said Fire Chief Lohr.
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.
Non-emergency 911 calls can delay getting assistance to people with actual
emergencies.
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 4th. 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 4th 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 begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks launch 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
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