DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services: Most Common Questions About Fireworks in the District of Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions about Fireworks in the District of Columbia

No.	Question	Answer
1.	What are some safety tips I should know about firework use in the District of Columbia?	A full list of fireworks safety tips is available here.
2.	What are the types of legal fireworks that are allowed in the District of Columbia?	Sparklers less than 20 inches long, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps.
3.	What are the firework products that are considered illegal in the District of Columbia?	Firecrackers or fireworks that explode such as cherry bombs, salutes, roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells.
4.	What should I do if I see the use or sale of illegal fireworks?	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/EMS Fire Prevention Division at (202) 727-1600 for immediate action.
5.	What are the consequences for the use of illegal fireworks in the District of Columbia?	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.
6.	As a consumer, who should I buy my fireworks from in the District of Columbia?	Every citizen in the District of Columbia should only purchase fireworks from a licensed vendor.
7.	What should I know if I want to sell fireworks in the District of Columbia?	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/EMS Department Fire Prevention Division for fireworks inspection and storage. If a retailer cannot 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
8.	What are my rights as a retailer if my products are seized by the DC Fire/EMS Fire Prevention Division.	As a retailer, you have a right to appeal all seizures of legal products within 30 days of their seizure to the Fire Prevention Division
9.	What happens to firework products that are seized?	The illegal firework products are destroyed after 30 days.

For additional information about safe use of fireworks, or any other fireworks related information, contact the DC Fire/EMS Department Fire Prevention Division at (202) 727-1600 or (202) 727-1614.