NEWS RELEASE - Seizure of Illegal Fire Works this weekend

MEDIA CONTACT:
Richard Kephardt, Fire Marshal - 385-4228
MPO Margie Long, VBPD PIO – 385-4097
Virginia Beach Fire and Police Departments Join Forces to Seize
Illegal Fire Works This Holiday Weekend

Virginia Beach Fire and Police departments are joining forces this July 4th holiday weekend to keep citizens safe by warning them that the use of fireworks is illegal. “The public’s safety is our top priority,” stated Virginia Beach Fire Marshal Richard Kephart. Teams from both agencies will be on-duty throughout the city enforcing state and city codes. Regardless of where fireworks are purchased, the possession or use of fireworks is a violation of the City of Virginia Beach Code section 12-43.2. Virginia Beach City Code specifically prohibits: firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes and other fireworks that explode, travel laterally, and rise into the air or fire projectiles in the air. All illegal fireworks will be seized and the responsible party may be issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) or a summons from a team member.”

More fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires (more than any other cause of fires). In 2006, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated more than 9,200 people for fireworks-related injuries. Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for one-third of these emergency room fireworks injuries. Sparklers have a burning temperature of 1200ºF – three times hotter than matches.

We encourage citizens to enjoy one of the FREE fireworks shows scheduled at Mount Trashmore Park or along the Oceanfront beginning at 9:30 p.m. Friday evening.

For more information on fireworks, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 385-4228.