The Fourth of July is coming up this week, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, many community events have been canceled, including professional fireworks displays.
The Virginia Department of Fire Programs says this may cause a surge in non-permissible or illegal fireworks being used around the Commonwealth.
"COVID-19 has covered many of our pastimes and traditions with a wet blanket. We anticipate that this Fourth of July, Virginians will take to their own devices to celebrate the holiday in their backyards or neighborhoods," said VDFP Executive Director Michael Reilly. "On top of limited fireworks displays, we're dealing with limitations in how we assemble. This formula makes celebrating the Fourth of July holiday logistically complicated."
According to a release, VDFP's State Fire Marshal's Office is the fire code enforcement arm of the state government training agency.