Community Corner

Ground-Based Fireworks: Illegal in Howard County

Fire officials said handheld sparklers and snakes are OK as they prepare for the July 4th activities.

Fireworks planted in the ground are legal in other parts of Maryland, but Howard County officials remind citizens they are illegal here.

“The sale, possession and use of ground-based sparklers is prohibited,” Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services said in a statement this week, in advance of the July 4 holiday. “Violators are subject to a fine of up to $1,000."

In 2003, the Howard County Council passed a resolution making ground-based sparklers illegal, in response to public safety concerns, according to The Baltimore Sun.

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On July 4, 2002, a young girl in Howard County sustained first and second-degree burns to her face as the result of a ground-based sparkler, reported The Baltimore Sun.

While ground-based sparklers are prohibited, these fireworks are legal in Howard County: party poppers, ignitable snakes and snap ‘n pops.

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For those lighting legal fireworks, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services offered these tips:

  • Always supervise children around fireworks.
  • Don't allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Keep a water bucket or garden hose handy in case of fire.
  • Don't shoot fireworks from metal/glass containers or at people.
  • Stay a safe distance when lighting the fuse.
  • Don't try to re-light fireworks that fail to deploy.
  • Put used fireworks in water before discarding to prevent trash fire.

Fireworks Law in Howard County

Legal: Handheld sparklers, party poppers, ignitable snakes, snap ‘n pops

Illegal: Ground-based sparklers; selling fireworks to people under 16 years old

Fireworks Laws in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC

If you’re traveling to a neighboring county and want to make sure you’re in compliance with the law there, check WTOP’s roundup of fireworks regulations by jurisdiction.


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