County Stresses 'Zero Tolerance' Fireworks Policy

Days before July 4, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service is reminding residents of its "zero tolerance" policy regarding the use of illegal fireworks. 

All fireworks - including gold label sparklers - are illegal in Montgomery County. Police plan to issue citations to those who fail to abide by the policy during this weekend's " Illegal Fireworks . . . If You Light It, We’ll Write It" campaign. Individuals can be fined up to $1,000 for breaking the law. 

The official policy states: "It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks."

Residents should call 301-279-8000 to report firework violations. 

There are plenty of places to enjoy a festive fireworks display without braving the crowds in downtown D.C. Here are a few closer to home. 

• Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar streets; the Perry Parkway entrance will be closed. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk. 

• Rockville, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville. Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

• Boyds/Germantown, Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds. Family activities will begin at 6 p.m. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will perform a musical salute to America at 8 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. 

• Poolesville, Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville. Live music begins at 6 p.m. and Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle. 

• Kensington/Wheaton, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Rd., Kensington. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximately at 9:15 p.m.Since there will be no on-site parking at the school or at adjacent properties, except for handicapped parking, shuttle buses will pick up passengers, beginning at 6:15 p.m., at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station. 

• Takoma Park, Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd., Takoma Park. Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.

The information about these fireworks displays were provided in a press release issued by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.