Front Royal and Warren County Authorities Urge Fireworks Safety for July 4th

With the 4th of July around the corner, Front Royal and Warren County public safety agencies are urging residents to follow fireworks laws and practice safety. The Warren County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and Front Royal Police Department emphasize the importance of using only lawful fireworks and following safety guidelines.

In Warren County, possessing, using, selling, or storing fireworks that explode or fly into the air is illegal. Violating this law can lead to severe consequences, including a class 1 misdemeanor. This can result in a fine of up to $2,500 or a jail sentence of up to one year. Unlawful fireworks will be seized and destroyed.

Authorities, including the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Front Royal Police Department, and Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office, will be patrolling neighborhoods to ensure compliance and safety. Sheriff Crystal Cline, Police Chief Khale Magalis, and Fire Chief James Bonzano are all calling for community cooperation to keep the holiday safe for everyone.

Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks should always be used per the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Fire Marshal Gerry R. Maiatico advises, “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them. For those who use lawful fireworks in their backyards, never allow children of any age to use them without an adult present.”

Here are some essential safety tips to follow:

• Use Lawful Fireworks: Ensure the fireworks you use are legal in Virginia.
• Adult Supervision: Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, and never let young children handle fireworks.
• Avoid Professional Fireworks: Fireworks packaged in brown paper are often meant for professional displays and can be dangerous.
• Safe Lighting Practices: Never place any part of your body over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Light fireworks one at a time and move back quickly.
• Dispose Safely: After fireworks have burned out, douse them with water before discarding them to prevent trash fires.
• Keep Water Nearby: Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose ready in case of fire or mishap.

Fireworks can cause severe injuries and burns. Sparklers, for instance, burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. Authorities stress the importance of not re-lighting malfunctioned fireworks, never throwing fireworks at others, and avoiding using fireworks in glass or metal containers.

Following these safety guidelines allows residents to enjoy a festive and injury-free 4th of July. For more information on fireworks safety, visit Warren County Fire and Rescue or call 540-636-3830.