Proposed Ban on the Sale of Fireworks in the District

[Luke_Wilbur]

New Legislation Improves Enforcement Capabilities and Safety of Residents

 

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham joined DC Fire & EMS Chief Dennis L. Rubin to announce proposed legislation that would effectively ban the use and sale of all consumer fireworks in the District of Columbia, except those staged by professional pyrotechnics experts.

 

The Fireworks Neighborhood Safety Emergency Act of 2008 will help prevent the personal injury and property damage that traditionally stems from the use of fireworks by the general public. The legislation removes any exceptions to the current ban and would allow multi-faceted enforcement that includes DC Fire & EMS Department and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

 

"The time has come to once and for all extinguish these dangerous devices," said Mayor Fenty. "This legislation will bring us in line with neighboring jurisdictions in recognizing that the safety of our residents must be preserved."

 

The proposed legislation expands the current district to allow direct MPD enforcement of the ban. Previously, only Fire and EMS were able to provide direct enforcement of the ban allowing MPD only secondary enforcement capabilities. Complete fireworks bans are in effect in Montgomery and Prince George's counties as well as Baltimore, Md.

 

“This injury saving, public safety measure has great clarity and it will help a lot of people,” said Graham.

 

Last year the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center received more than 4,000 calls in one 12-hour period during the July 4th holiday due to improper use of fireworks in the District, the same number of calls usually made in a 24-hour period.

 

"Fireworks are not toys that can be treated casually," said Chief Rubin. "It is essential that District residents leave any handling of these combustible devices to licensed experts."