Overview
- The city posted on Wednesday reminding residents that possession or use of consumer fireworks and sparklers is illegal and asking people to report violations by calling 311.
- Alexandria warns that possessing or using fireworks can lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor with up to one year in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both.
- The Alexandria Fire Department cited injury data in its safety message, saying nearly half of last year’s fireworks burns came from sparklers and calling sparklers unsafe.
- The city is offering a legal, city-run fireworks show for its City Birthday on July 11 and urged residents to attend sanctioned displays instead of holding private events.
- The reminder drew immediate media attention and conservative criticism about encouraging neighbors to report one another, and officials noted that other nearby jurisdictions have similar consumer-fireworks restrictions established since 2011.