About Fireworks in DC
From the DC Metropolitan Police Department
Fireworks in DC
Before you purchase an expensive haul of fireworks, make sure that you can legally ignite and use them in the District. In general, any firework that explodes is illegal in the city. 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.
Learn which fireworks are legal in the District of Columbia.
Please note that fireworks are NOT allowed on ANY DPR properties, fields, basketball courts or tennis courts.
- Setting off certain types of fireworks is dangerous in an urban setting with the cluster of dense housing and flammable materials.
- Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, and the head, face and ear.
- To report the use or sale of illegal fireworks, contact the DC Fire/EMS Department’s Fire Prevention Division at (202) 727-1600 or (202) 727-1614.
- If you are aware of fireworks being set off in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 to have police and fire personnel investigate the situation.
- Download the Fireworks Safety brochure [PDF]