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State Fire Marshal’s Office Reminds Virginians to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
State Fire Marshal’s Office Reminds Virginians to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (June 28, 2024) - The Virginia Department of Fire Programs – State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds Virginians ahead of the Fourth of July holiday to leave fireworks to the professionals.
In 2023, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were eight fatalities and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Of the eight reported fatalities, one was in Virginia.
“Misuse of fireworks can be deadly,” said Billy Hux, State Fire Marshal. “Opt for safety this holiday by enjoying fireworks at a professionally organized show.”
In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Many localities prohibit the sale, possession or use of all fireworks. The State Fire Marshal’s Office advises Virginians to check local ordinances as well as the Statewide Fire Prevention Code prior to purchasing and utilizing fireworks.
Only “permissible fireworks,” as defined in the Code of Virginia, can be legally sold, possessed, or used within the commonwealth. A list of permissible fireworks can be viewed on the VDFP website.
The sale, possession and/or use of any fireworks not classified as permissible is prohibited. Violations can be prosecuted as a Class I Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,500 and/or up to one (1) year in jail. Any illegal fireworks can be confiscated, and you can be summoned by a Fire Marshal or Law Enforcement Officer.
If consumer fireworks are legal in your locality and you decide to use permissible fireworks, please follow these important safety procedures:
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
- Consider safe alternatives to fireworks such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office will continue conducting firework stand inspections and will support numerous permitted fireworks displays to ensure the safety of Virginia residents and visitors.
For firework safety tips and more information about using fireworks in the commonwealth, visit the State Fire Marshal’s Guide to Fireworks in the Commonwealth – Virginia Department of Fire Programs (vafire.com).
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The 2024 Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service
The 2024 Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service
About the 2024 Memorial Service
The 27th annual Virginia Fallen Firefighters & Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Richmond International Raceway Complex, Main Exhibition Hall. This event is open to the public.
The Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service will be streamed live for those who cannot attend in person.
This year's Memorial Service will honor fallen firefighters who have been recognized under the Virginia Line of Duty Act in 2023 for their bravery and dedication to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
- Larry W. Akers - Longshop-McCoy Fire and Rescue
- James M. Alexander Jr. - Hanover County Fire-EMS
- James E. Brewster - D.A.D Volunteer Fire Department
- Ernest N. Cash - Monelison Volunteer Fire Department
- Matthew R. Chiaverotti - Virginia Beach Fire Department
- Cameron B. Craig - Abingdon Fire Department
- Mia Ethridge - Louisa County Fire and EMS
- James A. Foster - Rice Volunteer Fire Department
- Brian R. Hricik - Alexandria Fire Department
- Helen "Gracey" C. Humbert - Botetourt County Fire and EMS
- Chester T. Lauck - Frederick County Fire and Rescue
- William A. McFarland - Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services
- Gregory C. Meinel - Vinton First Aid Crew
- Alicia A. Monahan - Chesterfield County Fire and EMS
- Rory "Bud" C. Swanson - Lower King and Queen Volunteer Fire Department
- Stephen D. Whitson - Henrico County Division of Fire
- Rocky S. Wood - Virginia Department of Forestry
Live Stream Information and Digital Program Access
Click here to watch the recording of the service on YouTube
A digital version of the program is available at this link: 2024 Fire + EMS Memorial Booklet
Main Point of Contact:
For more information on the Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service, contact VDFP PIO Will Merritt at (804) 249-1986 or william.merritt@vdfp.virginia.gov.
About the Memorial Service
The Memorial Service will include a keynote address, a Virginia Fire Services Honor Guard procession, a musical performance, and a fire and EMS apparatus display from departments throughout the Commonwealth. State flags will be presented to the families of the fallen.
History of the Memorial Service
- The Virginia Fire Services Board established the Memorial Service and enlisted the services of a Memorial Service Committee to plan the annual event. The committee is comprised of representatives from fire departments, family representatives of fallen firefighters previously honored, the Office of Emergency Medical Services and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Honor Guard from across the Commonwealth participate each year, as well as fire departments from across Virginia who display apparatus for the Memorial Service.
- A reception immediately following the Memorial Service is open to the families, distinguished guests, and the public.
Virginia Fallen Firefighter and EMS Facts
- For more than 20 years, on the first Saturday in June, firefighters and EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty or have been recognized by the Virginia Line of Duty Act in the previous year, are honored at the Virginia Fire and EMS Memorial Service.
- With the completion and dedication of the Virginia Public Safety Memorial, names of firefighters who are honored may also be added to the wall of the memorial annually.
Contact Information
For more information about the Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service, contact VDFP PIO Will Merritt at (804) 249-1986 or william.merritt@vdfp.virginia.gov.
Deshaun Steele
Theresa Hunter
Governor’s Fire Service Awards
The Governor’s Fire Service Awards were established in 2002 as a formal recognition of excellence in Virginia's Fire Services. The awards are presented annually to recipients in eight categories. Each category, save the Private Sector Excellence and Civilian Excellence in Fire Service Support, includes a volunteer and career recipient. Awards are presented annually at the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Awards Timeline
Application Process: | Year-Long |
Applications Due: | December 1 |
Materials Sent to First Round: | 1 Week after Application Due Date |
First Round Complete: | 4th Friday of December |
Second Round Complete: | First Friday of January |
Final List to Governor's Office: | Second Tuesday of January |
How to Submit your Nomination:
Submitting nominations for the Virginia Governor's Fire Service Awards is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to ensure your nominations are received and considered:
- Review Award Categories: Take a moment to review the available award categories to determine the most suitable recognition for the deserving individual, department, or organization.
- Prepare Required Information: Gather all necessary details about the nominee's accomplishments, contributions, and any supporting materials that showcase their outstanding achievements.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill out the Online Submission Form with accurate and comprehensive information about the nominee and their achievements.
- Complete the Executive Summary: Applications for the Governor's Fire Service Awards must include a prepared Executive Summary as a part of your nomination submission. Additionally, attached to the summary, applications must include at least one letter of recommendation, and a letter from the highest ranking official or their designee of the organization. For Outstanding Fire Department Response, a VFIRS or NFIRS report is required. Documentation should be submitted to policyoffice@vdfp.virginia.gov .
- Review and Confirm: Before finalizing your submission, carefully review all entered information to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Submit Your Nomination: Once you're satisfied with the details provided, submit your nomination along with all additional documents by clicking the designated button on the online form.
Governor's Fire Service Award Online Submission Form
Governor' Fire Service Award Executive Summary Form
Award Categories
CRITERIA: An individual or organization that exemplifies an outstanding dedication to helping protect the citizens of Virginia against the devastating effects of fire, not only in their own jurisdictions, but in other areas of the Commonwealth. Individual/organization that demonstrate exceptional dedication to sound management principles and excellence in fire service leadership in their department and within Virginia.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual or organization belonging to a recognized municipal, state or DOD Fire Department, or assigned to a suppression force or team working directly for the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States Federal Government working within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
CRITERIA: An individual or organization that exemplifies outstanding dedication and service for the furtherance of Virginia Public Fire & Life Safety Education not only in their own department, but in other areas of the Commonwealth as well. An individual or organization that exhibits exceptional commitment to the field of fire prevention; to include the adoption, amendment or interpretation of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Statewide Building Code, other related codes or fire prevention principles that would impact not only their own jurisdiction but other localities as well.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual or organization belonging to a recognized municipal, state or DOD Fire Department, or assigned to a suppression force or team working directly for the Commonwealth of Virginia or for the United States Federal Government working within the Commonwealth of Virginia and are engaged in Virginia Public Fire & Life Safety Education
CRITERIA: Any individual or organization providing lesson plans, support or delivery of programs within the Commonwealth which are fire service related. This award is given to an individual that has shown dedication, ingenuity, and commitment in fire suppression training. Nominees activities must include contributions to the fire training process throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
ELIGIBILITY: Any instructor belonging to a recognized municipal, state or DOD Fire Department, or assigned to a suppression force or team working directly for the Commonwealth of Virginia or for the United States Federal Government, or organization working within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
CRITERIA: Any outstanding Fire Department Response made in the last year, that demonstrates mutual aid, integration of multiple system components, interagency interfacing and cooperation, or complex assessment or rescue. This award recognizes personnel that displayed critical decision-making abilities or engaged in similarly noteworthy actions that contributed to the successful outcome of an incident. The nomination must include a copy of the VFIRS report and a specific example showing what/how this was accomplished
ELIGIBILITY: Any fire service organization.
CRITERIA: Any private sector or nonprofit entity that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the success of Virginia Fire Services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia by promoting outstanding contributions that further the advancement of the Fire Service.
ELIGIBILITY: Any private sector or nonprofit organization.
CRITERIA: Any civilian or organization, with no fire service affiliation or are administrative professionals, fire corps volunteers and other policy makers who exemplify an outstanding dedication to helping protect the citizens of Virginia against the devastating effects of fire. This nominee would have participated in projects, programs or committees that support the highest traditions of the fire and rescue service and have had significant impact to the citizens of Virginia.
ELIGIBILITY: Any citizen or organization, with no fire service affiliation, or administrative professionals, fire corps volunteers and other policy makers within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
CRITERIA: Any paid or volunteer firefighter that exemplifies outstanding performance and dedication within his/her own department to enhance fire safety for the citizens they serve. This individual would demonstrate efforts of furthering the safety, well-being, and care of citizens that promote notable improvements and precautions for fire safety.
ELIGIBILITY: Any paid or volunteer firefighter within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
CRITERIA: Any paid or volunteer fire chief that exemplifies outstanding performance and dedication to the fire service. This individual promotes outstanding leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, along with superior service to the public and a high level of contributions to the fire service as a whole with notable record of service and achievements.
ELIGIBILITY: Any paid or volunteer fire chief within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Resources
For more information, contact policyoffice@vdfp.virginia.gov
2023 Structural Collapse Specialist School Scholarship
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from your department head or team leader, provided on departmental letterhead.
- Complete the VATF-2 SCS student application and follow the instructions on the form for payment and submission
- Complete the VDFP scholarship application
- Submit the VDFP scholarship application and the letter of recommendation to Chad Riddleberger, Division Chief of Heavy Technical Rescue
State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Virginians to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
State Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Virginians to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (June 29, 2023) - The Virginia Department of Fire Programs-State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Virginians ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend that the possession of and selling illegal fireworks is a criminal offense – leave fireworks to the professionals.
In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Many localities prohibit the sale, possession or use of all fireworks. The State Fire Marshal’s Office advises Virginians to check local ordinances as well as the Statewide Fire Prevention Code prior to purchasing and utilizing fireworks.
“The safest way to celebrate the holiday with fireworks is to attend a professional show,” said Billy Hux, State Fire Marshal. “Improperly handling fireworks can result in catastrophic outcomes including fires and severe injuries.”
Only “permissible fireworks,” as defined in the Code of Virginia, can be legally sold, possessed or used within the Commonwealth. A list of permissible fireworks can be viewed on the VDFP website.
The sale, possession and/or use of any fireworks not classified as permissible is prohibited. Violations can be prosecuted as a Class I Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,500 and/or up to one (1) year in jail. Any illegal fireworks can be confiscated and you can be summoned by a Fire Marshal or Law Enforcement Officer.
If you decide to use permissible fireworks, please follow these important safety procedures:
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water before discarding.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
- Consider safe alternatives to fireworks such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office will be working over the holiday to ensure the safety of Virginia’s residents and visitors.
For more firework safety tips and information about using fireworks in the Commonwealth, visit the State Fire Marshal’s Guide to Fireworks in the Commonwealth – Virginia Department of Fire Programs (vafire.com).
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Guide to Fireworks in the Commonwealth
Guide to Fireworks in the Commonwealth
Many local jurisdictions prohibit the use of all fireworks. Check with your locality to determine any local regulations.
In accordance with Section §27-96.1 of the Code of Virginia, unless prohibited by a local ordinance, the provisions of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code pertaining to fireworks shall not apply to the sale of or to any person using, igniting, or exploding permissible fireworks on private property with the consent of the owner of such property.
The fireworks listed in the 2024 Virginia Permissible Fireworks List have been field tested to compare the items to the performance criteria of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) and are classified as "permissible fireworks" for purposes of applying and enforcing the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. The requirements for the sale or use of other than permissible fireworks, including certification and permit requirements, can be found in Chapter 56 of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
CAUTION: Code of Virginia §27.97 allows local jurisdictions to adopt fire prevention regulations that are more restrictive or more extensive in scope than the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Many local jurisdictions prohibit the use of all fireworks. Individuals should check with their city, county or town to determine any local regulations.
Click the graphics below to download and share on social media. Remember the only safe way to celebrate is by attending public displays. Leave fireworks to the professionals!
The Purpose of the Permissible Fireworks List
Each year countless Virginians are injured or worse due to fireworks. Pictured below is the State Fire Marshal's Office annual field testing of fireworks to compare the items to the performance criteria of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) and are classified as "permissible fireworks" for purposes of applying and enforcing the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. These tests make sure only code compliant consumer grade fireworks are bought/sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Firework safety tips
The only safe way to view fireworks is by attending public displays and leaving the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.
Be Proactive
- Purchase only legal fireworks available at approved stands. Never craft your own fireworks or combine multiple fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby in which all used fireworks can be placed.
- Know the laws for your specific locality as local jurisdictions may adopt fire prevention regulations that are more restrictive or extensive in scope than the Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
Be Safe While Using
- Use eye protection, wear safety goggles.
- Always read and follow the directions on the label.
- Never point fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings.
- Do not use fireworks near tall dry grassy fields, combustible materials or wooded areas.
- Do not use under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
Disposal of Fireworks
- After you finish — clean up all debris when finished. Duds (fireworks that didn't function) can be dangerous; if a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least 15 minutes, approach it carefully, and place it in a bucket of water.
- Be sure all unused fireworks, matches and lighters are out of the sight and reach of children.
- Dispose of fireworks properly. Soak them completely in water before putting them in the trash can.
- Monitor the area for several hours after using fireworks.
Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service Scheduled for June 3
Virginia Fallen Firefighters & EMS Memorial Service Scheduled for June 3
Annual service to be held in the Exhibition Hall at the Richmond Raceway Complex
- Gary C. Campbell - Spotsylvania County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management
- TyVaughn N. Eldridge - Chesterfield Fire and EMS
- Christopher G. Griffin - City of Norfolk Fire Rescue
- Robert W. Nelms - Fries Fire and Rescue
- Jeffrey T. Rizzo - Loudoun County Fire Rescue
- Kimberly A. Schoppa - Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
- James A. Sturgill - Pound Volunteer Fire Department
- Gregory V. Thomas - City of Danville Fire Department
- Michael W. Webb - Callaway Volunteer Fire Department
- Herbert T. Wilcox - Rocky Mount Fire Departmen
For those who cannot attend in person, the Virginia Fallen Firefighters and EMS Memorial Service will also be streamed live on VDFP’s social media and website: www.vafire.com.