Due to safety concerns, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials are reminding citizens that all pyrotechnics, including sparklers and consumer-grade models, are prohibited throughout the year throughout the county. Violators risk fines or perhaps jail time.
As Independence Day, graduations, and summer festivities draw near, MCFRS Fire Chief Corey Smedley and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) would like to remind locals and guests that, for good reason, ALL fireworks are prohibited in Montgomery County throughout the year. Fireworks have the potential to inflict property damage, spark fires, and cause catastrophic injuries. In addition, pets and animals suffer trauma. During the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and throughout the summer, let’s keep our neighborhood safe and injury-free.Fireworks: Be Aware of the Law
Section 22-70 of the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code states that it is unlawful for anybody to:
- Manufacture
- Possess
- Store
- Sell
- Offer for sale
- Use, discharge, burn, or explode any fireworks
Sparklers and all consumer-grade fireworks, regardless of label, fall under this category. Violators risk six months in prison and/or fines of up to $1,000.
What s Legal?
Very little. The sole exclusions are:
- Snap-and-pop noise makers
- Snakes
- Party poppers
Anything else is prohibited, including bottle rockets, firecrackers, roman candles, and gold-label sparklers.Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible for me to order fireworks online and have them delivered to my house?No. No matter how they are transported, it is prohibited to ship fireworks for personal consumption in Maryland.
Can I get a permit to have a private fireworks show?No. Public displays can only be carried out by licensed professionals who have the necessary insurance and authorization. For information on planning a public event that is permitted, call 311.
Can a public delivery service send fireworks to me?No. Fireworks are still prohibited in Montgomery County, regardless of where or how they are bought.
Reporting Violations of Fireworks
Help us keep your neighborhood safe:
- To report fireworks violations, call the non-emergency number: 301-279-8000
- Do NOT call 911 unless it is a life-threatening emergency
Want fireworks? Leave it to the Pros.
Attend public fireworks displays led by qualified specialists to enjoy the Fourth of July in a safe manner. To guarantee that everyone has a safe time, these events adhere to stringent safety requirements and are watched over by fire and rescue specialists.
