Fireworks safety urged for the Fourth

Little-known fact: Playing with sparklers on the Fourth of July -- or any other day -- could land you in jail in Richmond or the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico.

Area fire officials are urging people to head to professional displays for the Independence Day holiday.

While some forms of fireworks are allowed in certain jurisdictions across the state, the Richmond area allows little in the way of explosive home entertainment.

What's legal where? Chesterfield and Henrico counties and Richmond ban all fireworks, while Hanover County bans all except sparklers, fountains and pinwheels.

"We just ask people to use good common sense," said M.J. Flournoy, Hanover's chief fire marshal, noting that fireworks have to be set off on the owner's property and under adult supervision. "The biggest thing that worries us are kids that might be allowed to set them off."

What's the punishment? Violators of fireworks laws in Virginia face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

"If you want to see fireworks, go to a place that's having them like Dogwood Dell, Fort Lee or Kings Dominion, where they have all the safety requirements in check," said Lt. Shawn L. Jones with Richmond Fire and Emergency Services.

How dangerous are fireworks? In 2008, 15 fires in Virginia were ignited by Fourth of July fireworks, causing $178,013 in damage, according to the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Nationally, nearly 10,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

"More important than the legal aspects are the risks and liabilities of personal injury and property damage," said Chesterfield Fire & EMS Lt. Matt Coffin. "It's not worth it."

Contact Wesley P. Hester at (804) 649-6976 or .