Do What’s Right — Don’t Ignite. ALL Fireworks Are Illegal in Montgomery County

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As summer celebrations, graduations, and Independence Day approaches, MCFRS Fire Chief Corey Smedley and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) want to remind residents and visitors that ALL fireworks are illegal year-round in Montgomery County — and with good reason. Fireworks can cause devastating injuries, start fires, and damage property. Not to mention the trauma to animals and pets. Let’s keep our community safe and celebrations injury-free this Summer and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Fireworks: Know the Law

Under Montgomery County Fire Safety Code Section 22-70, it is illegal for any person to:

• Manufacture
• Possess
• Store
• Sell
• Offer for sale
• Use, discharge, burn, or explode any fireworks

This includes sparklers and all consumer-grade fireworks, regardless of labeling. Violators may face up to $1,000 in fines and/or six months in jail.

What's Legal?

Almost nothing. The only exceptions:

• Snap-and-pop noise makers
• Snakes
• Party poppers

Everything else is illegal, including gold-label sparklers, firecrackers, roman candles, and bottle rockets.

Common Questions Answered

❌ Can I order fireworks online and have them shipped to my home?
No. Shipping fireworks for personal use in Maryland is illegal — regardless of how they’re transported.

❌ Can I have a private fireworks display with a permit?
No. Only licensed professionals may conduct public displays with proper permits and insurance. Call 311 for details about organizing a permitted public event.

❌ Can I receive fireworks via a public delivery service?
No. It doesn’t matter where or how fireworks are purchased — they are still illegal in Montgomery County.

Reporting Fireworks Violations

Help us keep your neighborhood safe:

• To report fireworks violations, call the non-emergency number: 301-279-8000
• Do NOT call 911 unless it is a life-threatening emergency

Want fireworks? Leave it to the Pros.

Enjoy the Fourth of July safely by attending public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals. These events follow strict safety regulations and are monitored by fire and rescue personnel to ensure a safe experience for all.

DROWNING: It Can Happen in an Instant

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Five Words That Save Lives: All Eyes On The Pool!

As summer begins, MCFRS Fire Chief Corey Smedley and the dedicated men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service are reminding everyone of one of the most important rules around water: constant, undistracted adult supervision saves lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or new to the water, tragedies can happen in seconds — and many are preventable. Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4? It’s a heartbreaking statistic that underscores the urgency of our 2025 Summer of Safety kickoff message: Stay alert. Stay present. Save lives.

Supervision Is Key

According to research from the National Safe Kids Campaign, 9 out of 10 children who drowned were under supervision at the time. How is this possible? Distractions like phones, tablets, reading, or socializing often pull attention away — and in water emergencies, every second counts.

If you are supervising a child, think of yourself as their lifeguard:

• Stay off your phone.

• Avoid multitasking.

• Keep children within arm’s reach — especially young or inexperienced swimmers.

• Designate a responsible “Water Watcher” whose only job is to supervise swimmers.

Know the Risks. Take Action.

• Learn to swim — and ensure your child can float, tread water, and reach the pool edge.

• Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system, no matter your experience.

• Avoid inflatable toys as floatation aids — they are not safety devices. Only use properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

• Lifeguards are not babysitters. Their presence adds a layer of protection but does not replace hands-on supervision.

• Install physical barriers around pools and remove toys when not in use to avoid tempting unsupervised play.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

• Have a phone nearby for emergency use — but not for distractions.

• Learn CPR and rescue techniques. Your skills can be the difference between life and death while waiting for first responders.

• Never leave children unattended near pools, bathtubs, or even decorative ponds.

• If you leave the area, take your child with you. Always.

Avoid These Common Hazards:

• Diving Injuries: Only dive in designated deep areas with confirmed safe depths. Serious spinal injuries can happen in shallow water.

• Bad Weather: Get out of the water immediately at the first sign of lightning or storms.

• Overexertion: Know the signs of fatigue. The “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun — can quickly lead to trouble.

• Alcohol and Swimming Don’t Mix: Nearly half of all adult drownings involve alcohol. Stay sober around water.

Water can be fun — and dangerous. Protect what matters most by making safety your top priority this summer.

Stay alert. Be ready. And remember: All Eyes On The Pool.