While fireworks are a traditional part of our Independence Day celebrations, decades of tragic experience show us that the misuse of fireworks can have devastating consequences. Each year, fireworks cause an estimated 25,000 fires, resulting in nearly 9,000 injuries and direct property loss of over $17 million nationwide. The burns caused by the intense heat of fireworks leave lifetime, disfiguring scars. Eye injuries, many leading to permanent vision loss, account for 20 percent of fireworks injuries. Finally, on average, 7 people each year are killed directly by fireworks.

Too often, consumers do not recognize the inherent dangers of fireworks and treat them as toys. Even sparklers (pyrotechnic devices that look harmless but aren’t) cause hundreds of injuries every year. By avoiding illegal and dangerous fireworks and using legal fireworks responsibly, you can help ensure a fun and safer experience for everyone.

Fireworks - Hampton City Code

The City of Hampton Fire Prevention Code bans the use and possession of all fireworks, with the exception of sparklers.  Permits are required for public or private display of fireworks or pyrotechnics.  A million dollar bond and professionals trained to launch fireworks are required to obtain a fireworks permit.  Certain types of fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles, may be purchased legally in other areas, but may not be possessed or used in the City of Hampton. Bringing unapproved fireworks from other jurisdictions into the City of Hampton is an illegal act that constitutes a Class 1 misdemeanor. Unapproved fireworks may be confiscated and the offending parties fined up to $1,200 and/or sentenced to up to one year in jail.

Hampton Fire Prevention Code

Sec. 14-14. Fireworks and pyrotechnic displays prohibited; exceptions.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section it shall be unlawful for any person to transport, manufacture, assemble, store, sell, offer or display for sale, or to buy, use, possess, ignite or explode any firecracker, torpedo, sky rocket, or other substance or device that contains any explosive or flammable compound or substance, and is intended or commonly known as fireworks, and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, fires projectiles or discharges sparks into the air.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to any organization or group of individuals which has been granted a permit by the fire code official for the public or private display of fireworks or pyrotechnics, provided that such fireworks are stored, handled, transported and used in compliance with the terms and conditions of such permit. Additionally, this section shall not be construed to apply to sparklers when used or ignited by an adult or by a minor under adult supervision.
(c) The fire code official or any law enforcement officer shall be authorized to seize, take, remove or cause to be removed, at the expense of the owner, all fireworks offered or exposed for display or sale, stored or held in violation of this section.

Sparklers Safety Tips

Please abide by the following safety tips when using sparklers:

• Keep away from any combustible materials and clear of all buildings and vehicles
• Do not permit young children to handle or light sparklers; you wouldn’t hand a matchbook or lighter to a child to play with, so why would you give a child a sparkler to hold?
• Never throw sparklers
• Store sparklers in a cool, dry place away from the home
  
• Sparklers are permitted with adult supervision

Unfortunately, it’s not just illegal fireworks that are dangerous. In fact, most firework injuries are caused by devices that are legal in the states in which they are used. Sparklers, which can attain a temperature of about 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, actually account for the majority of injuries.

For more information about fireworks safety, please contact our Fire Marshal Bureau at 757.727.1210.