Virginia Beach Fire Department Reminds Residents Fireworks are Illegal in the City

The City of Virginia Beach and Fire Department officials are encouraging residents to begin 2024 safely and responsibly with a reminder that fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in the city (Fireworks City Code Sec. 12-43.2.).

As much as we all enjoy fireworks, they are dangerous and can cause devastation to people and property. In the U.S. in 2018, an estimated 19,500 fires were started by fireworks, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires.

These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries and $105 million in direct property damage. In 2019, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,000 people for fireworks-related injuries. More than half of those injuries were to the extremities and 30% were to the eye or other parts of the head.

Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated injuries.

The only public legal fireworks show in the city on New Year's Eve will be Virginia Beach Town Center's “Last Night on the Town” on Dec. 31.

To report the use of illegal fireworks or for information regarding City services and information, contact VB311 by dialing 3-1-1 or calling (757) 385-3111.

Sources: www.cpsc.gov, fire.virginiabeach.gov/fire-prevention/fire-regulations/fireworks.