Yesterday, around the region, residents of Arlington and Fairfax lit off fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. Meanwhile, in Alexandria, fireworks remain illegal.
The Alexandria Fire Department cited safety as a major factor, noting a 25% increase in fireworks injuries in the U.S. between 2006 and 2021. Currently, fireworks are only allowed at city-led events like the birthday celebration on July 8.
According to the fire department:
In 2021, an estimated 11,500 people required emergency room treatment in U.S. hospitals due to accidents involving fireworks. More than 70% of those injuries occurred in the weeks before and after the Fourth of July holiday. Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Russell Furr explained that using fireworks can also threaten businesses and residential property. In 2022, AFD responded to a balcony fire that was a result of fireworks landing on balcony furniture.
In recent years, the impact on animals has also been noted as a concern of fireworks, with impacts from animals startled by the noise to microplastics entering the water system.
Should Alexandria change its laws to allow locals to use fireworks?