Fire Prevention Code

It shall be unlawful for any owner or other person, firm, or corporation to violate any provisions of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Any such violation shall be deemed a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishment of up to 12 months in jail and/or $2,500.00 dollar fine.

Fireworks

Fire Prevention Code states that it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transport, manufacture, store, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or to buy, use, ignite, or explode any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket, or other substance or thing, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is intended or commonly known, as fireworks and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air, other than sparks or those fireworks except under the provisions. This shall not apply to the use or the sale of sparklers, fountains, Pharoah’s serpents, caps for pistols, or to pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies, provided that the fireworks may only be used or ignited on private property with the consent of the owner of such property. Any fireworks found to be illegal, regardless from where they were purchased, will be seized and taken into evidence.

Explosive Devices

The manufacturing, possession, use, etc. of firebombs or explosive materials or devices shall be a Class 6 to a Class 5 Felony. This would include bottle bombs, pipe bombs, hoax devices, etc.

Setting Fires

Any fire that is maliciously set or intentionally set can be prosecuted from the range of a felony with life in prison to community service and restitution for firefighter expenses. See the code of Virginia 18.2-77 thru 18.2-88 for complete code and punishments.

Parking

Parking in a fire lane or within 15 feet of any fire hydrant is a violation of City ordinance, which can result in a fine of $50.00. This could also be a violation of the State Fire Code as a Class 1 Misdemeanor and the vehicle subject to towing at the owner's expense.

Fire Hydrant

Clearance of 3 foot circumference from all fire hydrants is required by the State Fire Code.