Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials are reminding residents that all fireworks, including sparklers and consumer-grade types, are illegal year-round in the county due to safety risks, and violators may face fines or jail time.
Per MCFRS: “As summer celebrations, graduations, and Independence Day approaches, MCFRS Fire Chief Corey Smedley and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) want to remind residents and visitors that ALL fireworks are illegal year-round in Montgomery County — and with good reason. Fireworks can cause devastating injuries, start fires, and damage property. Not to mention the trauma to animals and pets. Let’s keep our community safe and celebrations injury-free this Summer and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
Fireworks: Know the Law
Under Montgomery County Fire Safety Code Section 22-70, it is illegal for any person to:
- Manufacture
- Possess
- Store
- Sell
- Offer for sale
- Use, discharge, burn, or explode any fireworks
This includes sparklers and all consumer-grade fireworks, regardless of labeling. Violators may face up to $1,000 in fines and/or six months in jail.
What’s Legal?
Almost nothing. The only exceptions:
- Snap-and-pop noise makers
- Snakes
- Party poppers
Everything else is illegal, including gold-label sparklers, firecrackers, roman candles, and bottle rockets.
Common Questions Answered
❌ Can I order fireworks online and have them shipped to my home?
No. Shipping fireworks for personal use in Maryland is illegal — regardless of how they’re transported.
❌ Can I have a private fireworks display with a permit?
No. Only licensed professionals may conduct public displays with proper permits and insurance. Call 311 for details about organizing a permitted public event.
❌ Can I receive fireworks via a public delivery service?
No. It doesn’t matter where or how fireworks are purchased — they are still illegal in Montgomery County.
Reporting Fireworks Violations
Help us keep your neighborhood safe:
- To report fireworks violations, call the non-emergency number: 301-279-8000
- Do NOT call 911 unless it is a life-threatening emergency
Want fireworks? Leave it to the Pros.
Enjoy the Fourth of July safely by attending public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals. These events follow strict safety regulations and are monitored by fire and rescue personnel to ensure a safe experience for all.”