The City of Alexandria, Virginia, will not be celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks.
“Fireworks are illegal in Alexandria, including sparklers. Report illegal fireworks by calling 311. Our show is next weekend. Join us for the City Birthday celebration on July 11 at Oronoco Bay Park. Free admission,” the city wrote on X.
“Fireworks are illegal in Alexandria. It is against the law to buy, sell, store, or use any fireworks inside the City, including sparklers and novelty items. This applies even if the fireworks were legal to buy in nearby counties or cities,” the city’s fire department said in a statement. “The Fire Marshal’s Office enforces this ban. Any fireworks found inside the City can be taken away. If you are caught with fireworks, you could face a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. That means up to one year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both.”
“Join us at the City Birthday celebration on Saturday, July 11, for a safe, legal fireworks show. There are also displays in cities and counties across the National Capital Region. Many are visible from Alexandria’s waterfront on the 4th of July,” the fire department added.
A spokesperson for the City of Alexandria told the Daily Caller News Foundation, “Alexandria’s ban on private fireworks reflects the city’s commitment to public safety and preserving its historic character. With centuries-old buildings and dense historic neighborhoods, even consumer fireworks pose an outsized risk.”
“The policy helps protect irreplaceable landmarks while also reducing injuries, property damage and noise. Residents and visitors can still enjoy the tradition from the Alexandria waterfront,” the spokesperson added.
Utah has also moved to ban fireworks. According to an order issued by Governor Spencer Cox (R), “This year’s extremely hazardous conditions present an unusually high risk of devastating fire resulting from the discharge of fireworks.” It adds that the “discharge of fireworks anywhere in our state, including within municipal boundaries, creates a significant and material risk of a fire disaster.”
