South Tidewater News

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 30, 2023) — July Fourth means family picnics, outdoor fun, and night skies full of fireworks, but most residents and visitors are unaware of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the Code of Virginia, and the Virginia Beach City Code Section 12-43.2, that strictly prohibits fireworks and pyrotechnics within the city limits unless properly permitted. This also includes sparklers and pinwheels, which burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Illegal fireworks are a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and or a $2,500.00 fine.

Fireworks fire & injury facts

• Fireworks started an estimated 12,264 fires in 2021, including 2,082 structure fires, 316 vehicle fires, and 9,866 outside and other fires. These fires caused 29 civilian injuries and $59 million in direct property damage. There were no reported fire deaths.
• In 2021, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,500 people for fireworks-related injuries; over half of those injuries were to the extremities and 35% were to the eye or other parts of the head.
• Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for almost one-quarter (23%) of the estimated 2021 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2021 Fireworks Annual Report. Source: NFPA's Fireworks Fires and Injuries report

Not only do fireworks cause physical damage, but they also cause mental anxiety and stress to victims of PTSD such as our service men and women, children, those affected by gun violence and even pets. Please consider others over yourself.

Leave it to the pros! Citizens are encouraged to attend one of the two public FREE fireworks shows:

July 4th Celebration

Tuesday, July 4, 6 to 10 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.Mount Trashmore Park - 310 Edwin Drive

Admission is FREE; limited onsite parking is $20. (Cash Only)Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Stars & Stripes Celebration – Oceanfront

Tuesday, July 4, 7 to 11 p.m.

Scheduled live entertainment at 17th, 24th and 31st Street parks offer something for everyone. All performances are FREE.Fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. at 24th Street and the Boardwalk.

Multiple live performances on oceanfront park stages will attract thousands of visitors and residents of Virginia Beach to a "star-spangled" salute to this great country of ours at the Stars & Stripes Celebration. Scheduled live entertainment offers something for everyone.

Know Before You Go

ALLOWED:

• Beach Chairs
• Beach Blankets
• Small Cooler
• Outside Food & Drink
• Strollers

NOT ALLOWED:

• Glass Containers
• Bicycles, Pets (except certified service animals)
• professional camera/video equipment
• Umbrellas

Note: The following organizations have applied for a Fireworks and Pyrotechnics permit. They have been approved and granted a permit for these events:

July 1

• Ocean Park Civic League (Private)

July 4th

• Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club (Private)
• Oceanfront – Stars & Stripes Celebration (Public)
• City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation – Mount Trashmore Park (Public)

To report the use of illegal fireworks, contact VB311 Citizen Services by dialing 311, (757) 385-3111 or visit www.VBgov.com for online assistance.

To report emergencies, including the presence of fire or flames, continue to call 911.

Fireworks Safety Tip Sheet

Original source can be found here.