RICHMOND, VA — The City of Richmond Fire Marshal’s Office confiscated hundreds of fireworks during a four-hour window on the Fourth of July (photo attached) and issued four summonses for possession of illegal fireworks over the weekend.

Between 8 p.m. and midnight, 12 members of the Fire Marshal’s Office were divided into four teams and assigned to a section of the city (North, East, South and West). During that time, the teams responded to numerous complaints and locations where fireworks were in the process of being set off. A majority of the confiscated fireworks came from the Southside and the Church Hill neighborhood. 

Over the holiday weekend, the Fire Marshal’s Office issued a total of four summonses for possession of illegal fireworks, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

“Many of the citizens we encountered on July 4 complied with the City of Richmond fireworks ordinance and understood our actions, especially after we educated them about the safety risks,” said Fire Marshal Earl Dyer. “I believe we successfully prevented injuries, which was one of our main reasons for being out there.”

No injuries associated to Fourth of July fireworks have been reported. If you believe your property was damaged due to fireworks, you can report it to the Fire Marshal’s Office directly at (804) 646-6640 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding City of Richmond holidays.

The Fire Marshal’s Office would like to thank the Richmond Police Department for their assistance throughout the evening. The confiscated fireworks, estimated at a total cost of more than $4,000, will be destroyed by the RPD Bomb Squad.