Fireworks Amnesty Program - All Consumer Fireworks are Illegal in County

The Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department responds to several calls for injuries related to fireworks each year. The Fire/EMS Department is concerned about the potential for injury and property damage from fireworks. Every year, near the Fourth of July we see and hear of thousands of people injured and sometimes killed due to accidents involving fireworks in the United States.

Sadly, many of these injuries and deaths involve children.

Prince George’s County has a law that is meant to protect you.

The Law in Prince George’s County

Plain and simple - ALL consumer fireworks from the smallest to the largest are illegal.

• It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn, or explode any fireworks in Prince George's County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.

• Each year, thousands of people are injured and some killed in accidents involving the use of fireworks. These primarily involve those fireworks classified as 1.4g explosives by the U.S. Department of Transportation, commonly referred to as "consumer fireworks." Prince George’s County has banned the sale, use and possession of these fireworks based on the danger to our citizens caused by the misuse of these products.

What’s it all about…PGFD Fireworks Amnesty Program

In Prince George’s County, citizens may turn in fireworks without fear of being arrested or fined. Those desiring to take advantage of this amnesty may contact the County's Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department Operations Center at 301-583-2200. A member of the Fire/EMS Department will come to your home or business and remove your fireworks, without you risking arrest and/or fine.

• The amnesty will remain in effect from today until July 14, 2010. Citizens may also call the same number to report illegal use of fireworks in Prince George’s County.

This is the eighth year that the Fire/EMS Department has offered an Amnesty Program.

Thousands of pieces of dangerous fireworks have been turned over to authorities during this period.

Fire Chief Eugene A. Jones stated, "I encourage everyone to take advantage of the numerous public fireworks displays offered throughout the County on this festive and patriotic day. Celebrate safely and within the law."

2010 JULY 4TH FIREWORKS DISPLAYS

Note - some venues have admission charges

LAUREL

Granville Gude Park, Laurel Lake, Laurel, Maryland. (301) 725-5300 ext. 44.

Parade at 11 a.m. Car show following and Fireworks at dusk.

GREENBELT

Buddy Attick Park, 555 Crescent Rd., Greenbelt, Maryland. (301) 397-2200.

Entertainment begins at 4 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

BOWIE – ALLEN POND

Allen Pond Park, Bowie, Maryland. (301) 809-3078.

Entertainment, food and fireworks from 3-10:30 pm.

BOWIE – PRINCE GEORGE’S STADIUM

Prince George's County Stadium, 4101 NE Crain Hwy, Bowie, Maryland. Fireworks display after the game.

For additional information and tickets, call (301) 464-4865.

COLLEGE PARK

University of Maryland, College Park. Parking Lot 1,

off Campus Drive near the University Boulevard/Adelphi Road entrance.

(301) 864-8877. Food and music start at 7 p.m.,

with fireworks around 9 p.m.

SIX FLAGS AMERICA

Mitchellville, Maryland. (301) 249-1500.

The amusement park sponsors a spectacular fireworks display.

Enjoy a full day of family entertainment.

MORNINGSIDE

6901 Ames Street, Morningside, Maryland (301) 736-2300.

GLENARDEN

First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 3600 Brightseat Road, Landover, Maryland (301) 773-3600.

DISTRICT HEIGHTS

Starts at dusk in the athletic fields of the E. Michael Roll Municipal Center,

located at 2000 Marbury Drive in District Heights.

BRANDYWINE

Spirit of Faith Church, 14107 Gibbons Church Road, Brandywine, Maryland (301) 630-3733.

NATIONAL HARBOR

Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland. Fireworks and summer festival,

beginning at 5 p.m., tickets are required.

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