MPD sent out an email with their annual "July 4th Fireworks Safety Tips" -- basically, the fireworks you see all over the skies of DC are totally illegal, but that's never stopped the night's festivities. Here's MPD's things to think about for the holiday and fireworks. But first, a reminder about pets!

Fireworks Stink for Pets!
Posted by Red and Howling on Friday, June 30, 2017

From MPD:

As we begin to celebrate this July 4th weekend, the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department Fire Prevention Division wants everyone to be safe. Please remember, that the manufacturing, possession, storage, display, or discharge of the following fireworks in the District of Columbia is prohibited:

Any firework that moves
Any firework that explodes or shoots a projectile
Any firework that emits a spark or flame greater than 12’
Any firework that has a side mounted fuse or a fuse inserted at any point along the length of the product surface.
Any firework that contains mercury, arsenic, magnesium, phosphorus, or any other highly oxidizing agent.
Any firework by the Fire Marshal to be dangerous to the safety of any person or property.

EXAMPLES OF ILLEGAL/ PROHIBITED FIREWORKS

Firecrackers
Cherry Bombs
Roman Candles
Salutes
Floral Shell
Artillery Shells
Helicopters
Sparklers greater than 20” in length
Bottle Rockets
Parachutes
Buzz Bombs
Pinwheels
Jumping Jacks
Anything that is similar to these products.

EXAMPLES OF PERMITTED FIREWORKS
The following types of fireworks are permitted to be stored, displayed, sold, and delivered in the District of Columbia:

Sparklers 20”or less
Torches
Box Fire
Fountains
Cones
Dip Sticks
Paper Caps
Non-poisonous snakes
Paper Novelty Items
Colored Lights

PENALTIES AND FINES
Any person found engaging in the business of using or selling illegal fireworks in the District of Columbia will face monetary fines of $2,000 or more and possible arrest and criminal prosecution.