As we celebrate this July 4th, the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department Fire Prevention Division wants everyone to be safe.
Report Illegal Fireworks
*Residents may also report illegal fireworks to 3-1-1
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireworks
Approved Fireworks List 2025
Fireworks Safety Tips Flyer
List of Permitted Fireworks
- Toy paper caps containing not more than twenty-five hundredths (0.25) of a grain of explosive composition per cap
- Sparklers not more than 20 inches (508 mm) in length
- Torches
- Box fire
- Fountains
- Cones
- Non-poisonous snakes
- Paper novelty items
- Colored lights
- Any other fireworks tested by an approved agency or organization and approved by the code official.
List of Prohibited Fireworks
Please remember, that the manufacturing, possession, storage, display,or discharge of the following fireworks in the District of Columbia is prohibited:
-
Firecrackers of any kind or description
- Any fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, salutes, roman candles, floral shells, artillery shells
- Any firework intended to move after the piece is placed and fired, such as bottle rockets, parachutes, buzzbombs, pinwheels, helicopters, jumping jacks
- Sparklers more than 20 inches (508 mm) in length
- Any firework that contains mercury, arsenic tetryl, phosphorous, sulphocyanide, mercury, magnesium, potassium picrate, gallic acid, chlorate compounds, gunpowder, sulphur, chlorate or potash and sugar, or any highly oxidizing agent
- Any firework having a side fuse, or a fuse inserted at any point along the length of the firework
- Any firework found by the Fire Chief to be dangerous to the safety of any person or property
Tips on How to Use Legal Fireworks
- Never allow children to light or play with fireworks
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions before use
- Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from flammable materials
- Use longer lighting devices (such as grill lighters or grill matches)
- Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned
- Be sure other people and structures are clear (50 feet) before lighting fireworks
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of a malfunction or fire