Where you can legally, safely light fireworks in Central Virginia

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Ringing in the new year often starts with lighting fireworks as the clock strikes 12, but not everywhere in Central Virginia allows it. Certain areas ban them due to safety concerns for children and the environment. 

If you're in the city of Richmond, Henrico or Chesterfield, you probably won't be seeing fireworks light up the sky at midnight. But if you're here in Powhatan, Colonial Heights or Hanover, there are certain types of fireworks you can legally buy, and use safely. 

It’s a short list when it comes to which fireworks are allowed, like sparklers and fountains that stay on the ground and don’t explode. And while those are less hazardous, there are still risks. 

“Anytime a child uses fireworks, it increases our chance of injury or fires," said Tom Berry with Powhatan County Fire and Rescue  

Berry said the state Fire Marshal's Office tests approved fireworks each year. Localities then decide which fireworks will be permitted.

Legal fireworks should always be lit by an adult with an extinguisher nearby, like a hose and shovels. They should also be lit away from homes to avoid sparking a fire. 

“High winds can definitely blow embers and cause a much larger area to be the danger area for sparks," Berry said.  

When it comes to disposing lit fireworks, he said you can’t just throw them in your trashcan at the end of the night.  

“They should be disposed of properly. Preferably by putting the expended device in a bucket of water, letting that soak to ensure that there’s nothing glowing or embers that could potentially light it on fire in overnight hours or in the hours following.” 

If you're caught with fireworks illegally, you could pay up to $2,500 in fines or even serve jail time. 

“We would always recommend that people go and see professional fireworks somewhere that they have training," Berry said. "The shows are going to be great and they’re safer.”