Frequently Asked Questions     What types of fireworks are legal in the District of Columbia? Sparklers less than 20 inches, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps. Which fireworks products are illegal in DC? Firecrackers or fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells. What can I do if I see someone engaging in illegal fireworks use or sales? As a citizen of the District of Columbia, it is your duty to report the use of illegal fireworks use or sales to the DC Fire Marshals office at (202) 727-1600 for immediate action. What are the penalties for using illegal fireworks? Any person found engaging in the use or possession of illegal fireworks in the District of Columbia could face fines and penalties up to $1,000 and/or arrest for further prosecution. Who should I buy my fireworks from? Every citizen in the District of Columbia should only purchase fireworks from a licensed vendor. What permits do I need to sell fireworks in DC? As a retail fireworks dealer in the District of Columbia, you should obtain a business license from DCRA and a permit from the DC Fire Marshal's office for fireworks inspection and storage. If a retailer can't produce both permits upon request, the firework products will be seized and the vendor will be closed. KEEP ALL PERMITS AND LICENSES ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. Any person wishing to sell fireworks in the District of Columbia must obtain two permits: Permit to sellers retail license from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). A fireworks permit from the Office of the Fire Marshal, which will be issued upon site inspection. The permit price is $50. What are my rights as a retailer if my products are seized by the Fire Marshal's office? Retailers have the right to appeal to the Fire Marshal within 30 days of the products' seizure. What happens to fireworks products that are seized? The illegal fireworks products are destroyed after 30 days. What are some fireworks safety tips I should know? Always read and follow label directions. Always have an adult present. Only ignite fireworks outdoors. Always have water or sand nearby to extinguish fireworks after use. Never experiment or attempt to make fireworks. Light fireworks one item at a time. Never relight malfunctioning of dud fireworks. Store fireworks out of the reach of children. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Never throw fireworks at another person. Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Stand at least 15 feet from burning cones and fountains. Do not light fireworks near combustibles, such as gasoline, newspapers, etc. Do not ignite fireworks that have been wet and then dried. Do not light fireworks at any place other than the fuse. Do not use illegal fireworks. Only use items that have the label clearly listing the manufacturer’s name, address, and warnings Do I need a permit to store or use propane? Yes. Everyone wishing to use propane for the purpose of vending, roofing, and other various practices in the open should contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at (202) 727-1600 to obtain a permit (including the use of such propane gas on National Park Service property). What is the price of the propane permit? The cost of the propane permit is $25 for up to 200 pounds. Example: A person wishing to use 40 pounds of propane gas must pay $25. To whom should I speak about underground storage tanks (USTs) and aboveground storage tanks (ASTs)? Any person wishing to obtain information pertaining to storage tanks should contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at (202) 727-1600 or the Department of Health, Environmental Health Administration at (202) 535-2500. From whom should retailers purchase fireworks to sell in the District of Columbia? Any person wishing to purchase fireworks for sale in the District of Columbia shall only purchase their products from an approved wholesaler seller, whose products have been tested by the Office of the Fire Marshal for sell in the city. A list of approved fireworks and wholesalers can be obtained from the Office of the Fire Marshal after May 25 of each calendar year. Remember: All unapproved fireworks will be seized by the Office of the Fire Marshal and destroyed. Be aware. How many people work for the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) Department? Our agency workforce: 1,827 employees Uniformed firefighters: 1,252 Civilian personnel: 575 Why does a fire truck come when I call for an ambulance? At times, a fire truck may respond to a call before an ambulance because the fire truck may be closer, and there are more fire trucks than ambulances. All fire trucks have at least one Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) onboard at all times and that person can begin medical assessment and treatment immediately. The firefighter/EMT will make sure the appropriate EMS unit (Ambulance or Medic Unit) is responding to your call and will continue to care for you until it arrives. Is there a charge for an ambulance or medic unit transporting me to the hospital? The fee is $268 for being transported to the hospital by a basic ambulance and $471 for a medic unit transport.   How do I register for a CPR class? Take advantage of our free CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) orientation classes. CPR/AED classes are offered every Tuesday at the EMS training academy. It is a four-hour "heartsaver" class, and appointments can be scheduled by calling (202) 673-3245 or 673-3247. How can I get an engine company to come to my block party? Call, mail, or fax requests to the Public Information Office at: 1923 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 673-3331 Fax Number: (202) 673-3188 What fire station is closest to my house? Call the Public Information Office: (202) 673-3331 How can I get a copy of a fire or ambulance report? Call the Freedom of Information (FOIA) Hotline at (202) 671-2592. How can I get a smoke detector from the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) Department? Call the Public Information Office at (202) 673-3331 for one free smoke detector per single family dwelling. Batteries are included.