The District is one of only a few major cities in the United States that still allows its residents to purchase and handle fireworks without a permit, according to a report compiled by D.C. fire officials, who are advocating an all-out ban.
Legislation introduced soon after July 4 by D.C. Council Member Jim Graham would forbid the sale or possession of all fireworks in the nation’s capital without a permit, limiting their use to commercial displays. Under existing law, only fireworks that explode — including firecrackers, cherry bombs and Roman candles — and sparklers longer than 20 inches are forbidden.
The Independence Day holiday this year elicited some 6,100 complaints across Washington about illegal fireworks use, and a 7-year-old Columbia Heights boy was injured when a firecracker exploded near his face.
“Fireworks not only lead to injuries, but they disturb the peace and order in our neighborhoods,” Graham said last month.
San Francisco, Seattle, Pittsburgh and Dallas are among the major cities that ban the use of consumer and display fireworks without a permit, D.C. Fire and EMS found in a survey put together at Mayor Adrian Fenty’s request. In New York City, all fireworks are illegal, including sparklers. In Philadelphia, the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks is prohibited by law.
Las Vegas, however, allows the sale and use of fireworks between June 28 and July 4, while Detroit permits it throughout the year.
Fenty spokeswoman Dena Iverson said the mayor has not yet issued a formal response to Graham’s legislation, though both he and Fire Chief Dennis Rubin have expressed an interest in banning fireworks.
