罢丑别听聽in Donaldson Run that occurred on the night of July 4 was caused by discarded聽fireworks left in the garage, fire department officials say.
The fire caused a significant amount of damage and it highlighted the danger of聽unsafe firework usage. Over the Independence Day weekend, the sound of consumer fireworks could be heard all over Arlington. Despite the patriotic connotation, many Arlington residents have come to view the fireworks as more of a nuisance or safety hazard than a spectacle.
鈥淭he fire marshal did follow up on a number of complaints from neighbors that they heard fireworks, they saw fireworks that are illegal in the county,鈥澛爏aid Arlington County Fire Department spokeswoman Lt. Sarah Marchegiani.
Although are legal under Virginia law, that only applies non-explosive fireworks such as sparklers and cone fountains.聽Any projectiles that fly up over 12 feet are also prohibited, in addition to firecrackers or other exploding fireworks.
Someone caught using聽illegal fireworks in Arlington聽could face jail time and/or a fine of up to $2,500,聽Marchegiani said.
This past weekend, four notices of violation were issued due to illegal usage of fireworks, according to Marchegianai. Despite the fire department adding additional staff to patrol local neighborhoods, oftentimes by the time they respond to a call, the displays are over.
鈥淚t鈥檚 more than we can handle,鈥� she said.
When it comes to fireworks,聽Marchegiani recommends that residents take precautions to ensure their safe usage.
鈥淓ven legal fireworks can be dangerous, they can cause burns or eye injuries and they鈥檙e also a fire hazard,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen you ignite fireworks, you want to make sure you wear them down completely, put them in a bucket of water, make sure they鈥檙e cool and extinguished completely. Its a similar idea to when you鈥檙e smoking, make sure the butt鈥檚 out completely.鈥�
This year, there were no reported injuries caused by fireworks.
