Keeping up with fireworks laws

Just how hands-on your fireworks experience can be this holiday weekend depends on where you are in the Washington area. Restrictions on fireworks vary widely.

» Fireworks are illegal in Alexandria, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Included in the ban are ground-based fireworks, sparklers and “snakes.”» Ground-based fireworks in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties and Washington are permitted, but with provisions. The District’s policy bans any firework or firecracker that moves, explodes or emits a flame or spark of greater than 12 inches. Sparklers of less than 20 inches and other small, ground-based fireworks are permitted.