Except for that professionally put-on display, all fireworks are illegal in the city of Charlottesville, including sparklers and snakes.
Due to the risk of injury - especially to children - and the close proximity between buildings, fireworks are not allowed to be purchased or used within the city. Anyone who breaks this code will be charged with a class one misdemeanor.
Charlottesville Battalion Chief Richard Jones said, "It's important because injuries and fires can occur if fireworks are mishandled. You never want to use homemade fireworks."
The Charlottesville Fire Department hopes people still go out and enjoy the July Fourth holiday by visiting public firework displays like the one in McIntire Park.
