Support

Identifying Illegal Fireworks

fireworks_regulations_dc
Photo by PoPville flickr user m01229

MPD’s Fifth District issued a detailed email about fireworks in DC:

Public Safety Approach

The Metropolitan Police Department and DC Fire/EMS will again team together to ensure that inspection, regulation and safety measure are in place concerning the possession, storage and sales of Fireworks within the District of Columbia.

Captain Mark Beach will be the Metropolitan Police Department’s Fifth Police District will be this years coordinator for education, inspection and enforcement. Captain Beach can be reached on 202-698-0118, 202-345-1313 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Members of the Fifth Police District have begun conducting periodic surveillance and inspection of fireworks vending stands located in our community. We will ensure vendors possess proper permits, have No Smoking signs displayed, sell only fireworks manufactured by TNT, and have an employee roster on site.

MPD will also be enforcing existing laws concerning possession and detonation of illegal fireworks by citizens within our neighborhoods. Detonations of illegal fireworks endanger those lighting the device and those in close proximity of the Firework. Once lit and discharged, illegal Fireworks endanger nearby homes and structures, our pets and pose a real risk for our children. Please review and share with others what type of Firework can be possessed and those listed below that are deemed to illegal.

Illegal Fireworks in the District of Columbia and Penalties

In general, any firework or firecracker that explodes is illegal in the District of Columbia. Any person found using or in the possession of illegal fireworks in the District of Columbia could face fines and penalties of up to $2,000 and/or arrest for further prosecution. The Metropolitan Police Department and Fire/EMS seize illegal fireworks products that are discovered within the District and destroy them after 30 days.

Illegal Fireworks Characteristics

• Any fireworks that move.
• Any fireworks that explode.
• Any fireworks that emit a spark or flame greater than 12 feet.
• Any fireworks that have a side mounted fuse or a fuse inserted at any point along the length of the product’s surface.
• Any fireworks that contain mercury, arsenic, magnesium, phosphorus, or any other highly oxidizing agent.
• Any fireworks that the Fire Marshal considers to be dangerous to the safety of any person or property.

Examples of Illegal Fireworks (after the jump.)

• Firecrackers
• Cherry Bombs
• Roman
• Salutes
• Floral Shells
• Artillery Shells
• Helicopters
• Sparklers greater than 20 inches long
• Bottle Rockets
• Parachutes
• Buzz Bombs
• Pinwheels
• Jumping Jacks
• Anything that is similar to these products.

To report the possession, use or sale of illegal fireworks, or any other fireworks related information, contact the DC Fire/EMS Department Fire Prevention Division at (202) 727-1614.

Recent Stories

From the Capital Fringe Festival: “The time is near for this year’s Capital Fringe Festival, our annual celebration of theatre and freedom of expression. In 2024, the Capital Fringe Festival…

Thanks to E. for sending from the Baltic Sea in Riga, Latvia! If you get a photo with any of your shirt/merch on your travels – please send a photo…

photo by Andrew Small Thanks to Andrew for sharing his wild find yesterday: “Why did I just find an LBJ inauguration matchbook on K Street?”

“Kiki from Hill East enjoying her hotel stay in Knoxville after a hard day of play.” If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email…

Washington, DC! Let’s choose taters over haters, darlings! It’s DC’s ONLY Drag Brunch Bingo and it’s only at Whitlow’s! Forget your troubles, and let’s get HAPPY! Revel in the ridiculousness with your host, Tara Hoot, as she takes you to Camp Tutti Fruiti Hoot where you can enjoy amazing performances by Shelita Ramen and Mari Con Carne, play bingo, and win campy prizes! Sunday, May 19 at 12:30!

Come for a tasty brunch, bottomless drinks and drag performances that make you laugh and feel better about the world! Why? Because you’re gorgeous and you deserve it! We can’t wait to welcome you!

Tickets are only $10 with additional bottomless drink and food options!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Finding a gift for moms can be difficult. Google “Mother’s Day gifts,” and you’ll scroll through endless lists of beauty products, candles and fuzzy robes. Sure, those are sweet, but sometimes it’s fun to surprise loved ones with something a little more, well, practical!

Here’s one idea: Give her a gift certificate for a home cleaning from Well-Paid Maids. It’s the perfect “thank you,” “I love you” or “you’ve got this” for any mom. She can schedule the home cleaning at her convenience and breathe easy knowing she has one less thing to do.

Our cleaners will take care of everything, including vacuuming and mopping as well as cleaning and dusting countertops, tables, mirrors, appliances and more. Sinks, toilets, showers and appliance exteriors also get a good scrub.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Dance Like a Mother, a Benefit for First Shift Justice…

Join First Shift Justice Project at “Dance Like a Mother,” a fun house music party benefiting DC-area low-wage working parents & caregivers fighting workplace discrimination. First Shift helps working parents assert their workplace rights to prevent job loss. The money

×

Subscribe to our mailing list