Each year, the Fire/EMS Department Fire Prevention Division is responsible for ensuring that people in the District of Columbia have a safe Fourth of July season. Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate, but they can be very dangerous. In the United States, nearly 10,000 people on average are injured using fireworks every year.

In the District of Columbia, some fireworks are permitted to be stored, displayed, and sold. Others are illegal and individuals found in possession of or using illegal fireworks can face fines, penalties and/or arrest. In general, any fireworks or firecrackers that explode such as cherry bombs, roman candles, or floral shells are illegal.

Retailers must secure a permit from the DC Fire/EMS Department and a business license from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) in order to sell any legal fireworks in the District of Columbia.

Please call the DC Fire/EMS Department Fire Prevention Division at (202) 727-1600 or (202) 727-1614 for additional information about fireworks safety and the permitting process 

• Notice to 2009 Fireworks Wholesalers*
• Fireworks Safety Tips
• Firework Inspection Procedures GP*
• Fireworks Inspection Procedures
• Fireworks Application Guidelines 2009*
• Fireworks-Retail Business Occpancy Applicaiton*
• Fireworks-Retail Temporary Stand Occupancy Conditions Applicaiton*
• 2009 Firework List*
• Legal and Permitted Fireworks in the District of Columbia
• Illegal Fireworks in the District of Columbia and Penalties*
• Fireworks Inspection Procedures*
• Frequently Asked Questions About Fireworks in the District of Columbia*