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Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects
Review Permits and Regulations for Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects
Learn More Review Permit TypesFireworks, Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects
- SFMO aims to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations while enabling you to create memorable and awe-inspiring events.
- Explore the different permit options and requirements below to get started with your planning. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local fire official or the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO).
Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Permits
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Local Fire Official: If your locality has appointed a fire official to administer and enforce the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), you can obtain a permit through them.
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Local Authority: In localities without an appointed fire official, permits can be obtained from the locality through statutory authority granted by the Code of Virginia §15.2-974. This section allows local governing bodies to issue permits for fireworks displays under the terms and conditions of the SFPC.
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State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO): For fireworks and pyrotechnics conducted on state-owned property or within state-owned buildings, permits must be obtained from the SFMO. The SFMO also issues permit for non-state-owned property in localities where it serves as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
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Statewide Fire Prevention Code: * Pursuant to §27-97 of the Code of Virginia, the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC), at least one certified Pyrotechnician is required to be on the site where the fireworks display is being setup and conducted. Additional information regarding can be found on the Pyrotechnician Certification Examination.
Permissible Fireworks and Certified Pyrotechnician List
The SFMO provides resources to help ensure compliance with state regulations and promote safe pyrotechnic practices.
This includes a list of permissible fireworks in the state of Virginia as well as list of Certified Pyrotechnicians to contact for assistance with fireworks or flame effects displays.
Download List of Permissible Fireworks in Virginia Download List of Certified Pyrotechnicians
Flame Effects
Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects Permits
All permits are based on property type (e.g. State or Non-State). To obtain a permit, select the type below. Afterwards, download the PDF and follow the instructions.
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The completed application and attachments must be accompanied with the required and non-refundable fee of $300.00 when received not less than 15 days prior to planned use or $500.00 when submitted less than 15 days.
Fee is to be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and is to be submitted to the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office - Special Operations Section
1005 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500NOTE: Inspection fees will be assessed at a rate of $60 per staff member per hour during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and at a rate of $90 per hour at all other times (Nights, weekends, or holidays).
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The completed application and attachments must be accompanied with the required and non-refundable fee of $300.00 when received not less than 15 days prior to planned use or $500.00 when submitted less than 15 days.
Fee is to be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and is to be submitted to the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office - Special Operations Section
1005 Technology Park Drive Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500NOTE: Inspection fees will be assessed at a rate of $60 per staff member per hour during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and at a rate of $90 per hour at all other times (Nights, weekends, or holidays).
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The completed application and attachments must be accompanied with the required and non-refundable fee of $300.00 when received not less than 15 days prior to planned use or $500.00 when submitted less than 15 days.
Fee is to be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and is to be submitted to the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office - Special Operations Section
1005 Technology Park Drive Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500
NOTE: Inspection fees will be assessed at a rate of $60 per staff member per hour during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and at a rate of $90 per hour at all other times (Nights, weekends, or holidays). -
The completed application and attachments must be accompanied with the required and non-refundable fee of $300.00 when received not less than 15 days prior to planned use or $500.00 when submitted less than 15 days.
Fee is to be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and is to be submitted to the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office - Special Operations Section
1005 Technology Park Drive Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500
NOTE: Inspection fees will be assessed at a rate of $60 per staff member per hour during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and at a rate of $90 per hour at all other times (Nights, weekends, or holidays). -
The completed application and attachments must be accompanied with the required and non-refundable fee of $300.00 when received not less than 15 days prior to planned use or $500.00 when submitted less than 15 days. Flame effects incidental to a permitted pyrotechnics display $150.00 (flame effects must be individual or group effects that are attended and manually controlled).
Fee(s) are to be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and is to be submitted to the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office - Special Operations Section
1005 Technology Park Drive Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500
NOTE: Inspection fees will be assessed at a rate of $60 per staff member per hour during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and at a rate of $90 per hour at all other times (Nights, weekends, or holidays). -
The completed application and attachments must be accompanied with the required and non-refundable fee of $300.00 when received not less than 15 days prior to planned use or $500.00 when submitted less than 15 days.
Fee is to be paid in the form of a check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and is to be submitted to the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office - Special Operations Section
1005 Technology Park Drive Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500
NOTE: Inspection fees will be assessed at a rate of $60 per staff member per hour during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and at a rate of $90 per hour at all other times (Nights, weekends, or holidays).
Bonfires and Open Burning
All Permits Based on Property Type: State or Non-State
A bonfire is defined as an outdoor fire used for ceremonial purposes, distinct from a recreational fire.
A recreational fire involves burning materials other than rubbish in a fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, for purposes such as pleasure, religious ceremonies, cooking, or warmth. All other outdoor fires may be classified as bonfires.
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Small Bonfire: The permit fee is $50.00 except; if an application for a small bonfire permit is received by the State Fire Marshal’s office less than 15 days prior to the planned event, the permit fee shall be $100.00. If an application for a small bonfire permit is received by the State Fire Marshal’s office less than 7 days prior to the planned event, the permit fee shall be $150.00.
Large Bonfire: The permit fee is $150.00 except; if an application for a large bonfire permit is received by the State Fire Marshal’s office less than 15 days prior to the planned event, the permit fee shall be $300.00. If an application for a large bonfire permit is received by the State Fire Marshal’s office less than 7 days prior to the planned event, the permit fee shall be $450.00.
All application(s) and any attachments are to be delivered to:
State Fire Marshal’s Office
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
1005 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500 -
Complete the application and attached any supporting documents to the State Fire Marshal’s Office not less than five (5) business days prior to the planned burning.
Documents can be sent via email to statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov and the original documents should be mailed to and received at the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office- Special Operations
1005 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500NOTE: An incomplete application is subject to return without further processing.
Download Permit Application for Open Burning on State Owned Property
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Complete the application and attached any supporting documents to the State Fire Marshal’s Office not less than five (5) business days prior to the planned burning.
Documents can be sent via email to statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov and the original documents should be mailed to and received at the address below.
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
State Fire Marshal’s Office- Special Operations
1005 Technology Park Drive
Glen Allen, Virginia 23059-4500NOTE: An incomplete application is subject to return without further processing.
Download Permit Application for Open Burning on Non-State Property
Contact Us
For more details or assistance regarding Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects Permits, please contact the State Fire Marshal Office at statefiremarshal@vdfp.virginia.gov or 804-371-0220.