Virginia Beach Fire Department Cautions Residents: Extreme Dry Conditions Pose Fire Danger

Due to the current extreme dry conditions this holiday weekend, the Fire Department is urging all residents to take immediate precautions to prevent brush and structure fires. Even small sparks and embers can travel long distances and ignite fast-moving fires in grass, mulch, brush, wooded areas, roofs, decks, dry lawns, and fields. Our resources are stretched during this heightened risk period, and prevention is our strongest tool.

Dangers of Fireworks

• Hot, dry conditions increase fire danger. Consumer fireworks can easily ignite dry grass, brush, mulch, roofs, and nearby vehicles. During periods of elevated fire risk, a single spark can quickly lead to dangerous vegetation or a structure fire.
• Fireworks can cause life-changing injuries. Every year, fireworks send thousands of people to emergency departments with serious injuries. These include severe burns, blast injuries, amputated fingers, permanent eye injuries, hearing loss, and other traumatic injuries.
• Sparklers are not harmless. Sparklers burn at temperatures of up to 2,000°F—hot enough to melt some metals. They can cause severe burns in seconds and are especially dangerous for young children.
• Fireworks impact more than the person using them. Loud explosions can trigger anxiety and emotional distress for individuals living with PTSD, including many military veterans and first responders, as well as children, survivors of violence, and pets. Please be mindful of your neighbors and consider the impact fireworks may have on others.

REMEMBER: FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN VIRGINIA BEACH! The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the Code of Virginia, and the Virginia Beach City Code Section 12-43.2, which strictly prohibit fireworks and pyrotechnics within the city limits unless properly permitted. Illegal fireworks are a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one-year in jail and or a $2,500.00 fine. 

Other Causes of Fires

• Improperly disposal of smoking materials: Never discard cigarettes, cigar butts, or ashes on the ground, in planters, in mulch, or out of vehicle windows. Douse butts with water and dispose of them in a metal container or a deep, sturdy ashtray.
• Outdoor equipment and vehicles: Avoid mowing or using metal-blade trimmers on dry, windy days. Don’t park vehicles on dry grass—hot exhaust systems can start fires.
• Grilling and outdoor fires: Use only propane or natural gas grills on non-combustible surfaces, away from vegetation. Keep a hose or fire extinguisher within reach. All open burning and fire pits are strongly discouraged or may be prohibited during this period—check current restrictions before lighting any fire.
• Mulch and landscaping: Maintain a non-combustible break (gravel, stone) around buildings. Keep gutters, roofs, and yards clear of dry leaves and debris.
• Business and property owners: Provide approved ash receptacles outdoors, water landscaping regularly if permitted, and remove combustible debris from around buildings, loading docks, and dumpsters.

If you see smoke or fire: Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to extinguish spreading fires yourself. Provide clear location details and keep roadways clear for responding apparatus.

To report the use of illegal fireworks, DO NOT CALL 911. Contact VB311 Citizen Services by dialing 311, 757-385-3111 or visit VirginiaBeach.gov for online assistance.

To report emergencies, including the presence of fire or flames, continue to call 911.