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courtesy of ‘erin m’

Once you light that fuse, you really don’t have the time to look up whether or not it’s actually legal to set off a firecracker in the District. Luckily, the good people over at the Hill Is Home did the necessary research ahead of time so you know what you can and cannot legally set off as part of your own personal fireworks display this Fourth of July:

In the District of Coumbia, the only legal “fireworks” are sparklers less than 20 inches, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps. So basically nothing more explosive than a Christmas popper.

Everything else including firecrackers or fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells is illegal.

You’ve probably noticed that around this time of year, several temporary stands are erected for you to buy your snakes and sparklers. Here is a map listing all of the licensed vendors this year.

Be safe out there…

Dave Levy

Dave Levy is a PR guy by day, a media researcher on the side and a self-proclaimed geek. He blogs often about how traditional media adapts – or tries to adapt – to the growing digital media world at State of the Fourth Estate. You can follow Dave on Twitter for various updates about everything from sports from his previous home in Boston to eccentric and obscure pop culture references. Read why Dave loves D.C.