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NEWS ADVISORY

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

Steven E. Lohr, Fire ChiefPublic Safety Headquarters, 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Executive OfficerPhone: 240.876.1260 Media line: 240.777.2442 @MCFirePIO

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2013

What You Need to Know About FireworksFireworks are not only dangerous, but ILLEGAL

Montgomery County, MD - - -The Fourth of July is right around the corner and MontgomeryCounty Fire Chief Steve Lohr is reminding residents that ALL fireworks are illegal inMontgomery County and that the County will be continuing its zero tolerance policy regardingillegal fireworks.

In an effort to stress the seriousness posed by the use of dangerous and illegal fireworks, FireOfficials across the region launched a comprehensive effort several years ago to inform andeducate the public about illegal fireworks. The law in Montgomery County is clear and thesafest, and smartest, way to enjoy fireworks is at one of the many public displays in the area, saidFire Chief Lohr.

Heres what you should know:

The Law:It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burnor explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized displaymay be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of

the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal inMontgomery County, Prince Georges County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery CountyFire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

What fireworks are legal?In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold labelsparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to thislaw.

Can I receive fireworks at my home through the mail?No. Use of the mail for the transportation of fireworks for use in the State of Maryland is illegal.

Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with proper permits?

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No. You can not have a private display; however, you can apply to have a public display withproper permits and insurance.

Can I receive fireworks at my residence delivered by a public carrier?

No. It doesnt matter where the fireworks are purchased or how they are brought into Maryland.Fireworks are still illegal in Montgomery County.

Where do I report violations involving fireworks?Residents should call 301-279-8000. Do NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threateningemergency and need immediate help. Non-emergency 911 calls can delay getting assistance topeople with actual emergencies.

Where can I go in Montgomery County to see the fireworks?The Fire Chief and safety experts agree that the best way to celebrate is to enjoy one of the manyfree, public fireworks displays in the area on July 4 th. Public fireworks displays, conducted bytrained professionals, are the smartest and safest way to view fireworks because they are

established under controlled settings and safety regulations and monitored by public safetyorganizations. Area July 4th displays include:

Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut Street, Gaithersburg, Maryland.(301) 258-6350. Gates open at 5 p.m. Walk-in at Chestnut or Dalamar Streets; the Perry Parkwayentrance will be closed. Entertainment begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks launch at dusk.

Rockville, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, Maryland.Additional parking will be available at Rockville Town Center. Live entertainment begins at 7p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Boyds/Germantown, Germantown Soccerplex, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds, Maryland.(240) 777-6820. Family concert at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Poolesville, Poolesville Polo Grounds, 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville, Maryland. Live musicbegins at 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle. (301) 972-8888.

Kensington/Wheaton, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington,Maryland. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks show will begin approximatelyat 9:15 p.m. Since there will be no on-site parking at the school or at adjacent properties, exceptfor handicapped parking, free shuttle bus service will pick up passengers beginning at 6:15 p.m. atWestfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station.

Takoma Park, Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park,Maryland. (301) 270-6876. Parade at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan AllenAvenues. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Lastly, while fireworks displays can be exciting they can be extremely stressful and frightening foryour pets. Leave your pets at home, be sure they are wearing proper identification so they can bereunited with owners should they get lost or run away and never leave pets in a locked car sincevehicles can heat up to dangerous levels in just minutes.

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