The link to Cornerstone OnDemand has changed to vafire.csodfed.com.
Any direct links to CSOD on fire department websites or internal pages will need to be updated.
Note: Direct links to any course pages will also need to be updated.
It is recommended that everyone update bookmarks, favorites, etc. to maintain access to our learning management system.
We apologize for the disruption and inconvenience this has caused.
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Posted: Jan. 31, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (July 1, 2025) – As communities across Virginia prepare for Fourth of July festivities, state officials are urging residents to prioritize safety and celebrate responsibly. Fireworks continue to pose a significant risk during holiday festivities. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people across the U.S. were injured by fireworks last year — an increase of about 52% compared to 2023. While public fireworks displays are the safest option, many still choose to light fireworks at home. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs and Virginia Department of Forestry are reminding everyone to take precautions if they plan to use fireworks on their own. Remember, even seemingly harmless items – like sparklers – can cause severe burns. Temperatures from sparklers can reach more than 2,000 degrees.
“The Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office strongly encourages Virginians to celebrate safely and responsibly by leaving fireworks to the professionals,” said Chief State Fire Marshal Billy Hux. “In general, any firework that explodes, moves on the ground or in the air, or shoots a projectile is illegal unless you are licensed pyrotechnician in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Possession or use of illegal fireworks in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor per item possessed or used. Each Class 1 misdemeanor conviction carries a fine of up to $2,500 and one year in jail.” “Both legal and illegal fireworks can quickly ignite wildfires that put entire communities at risk,” said Chief of Fire and Emergency Response John Miller. “Only use fireworks in safe spaces away from people, houses and flammable material (dry grass, leaves, storm debris). Fireworks are also the cause of thousands of personal injuries each year. Celebrate safely this Fourth of July and remain mindful of your surroundings, neighbors and community.”
Some localities completely ban the sale, possession and use of any type of fireworks, including sparklers. Contact your local fire marshal, fire officials, or law enforcement about local restrictions and laws in the area you plan to use. If you are found responsible for having started a wildfire with fireworks, you may be liable for suppression and reclamation costs and could even face fines and imprisonment.
Visit the Virginia Department of Fire Programs' website to learn more about fireworks laws and what fireworks are approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Fireworks safety tips:
For more information on fireworks safety, visit the Virginia Department of Forestry website at https://dof.virginia.gov/wildland-prescribed-fire/wildfire-prevention/fireworks-safety/.
Guide to Fireworks in the Commonwealth
Many local jurisdictions prohibit the use of all fireworks. Check with your locality to determine any local regulations.
In accordance with Section §27-96.1 of the Code of Virginia, unless prohibited by a local ordinance, the provisions of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code pertaining to fireworks shall not apply to the sale of or to any person using, igniting, or exploding permissible fireworks on private property with the consent of the owner of such property.
The fireworks listed in the 2025 Virginia Permissible Fireworks List have been field tested to compare the items to the performance criteria of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) and are classified as "permissible fireworks" for purposes of applying and enforcing the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. The requirements for the sale or use of other than permissible fireworks, including certification and permit requirements, can be found in Chapter 56 of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code.
CAUTION: Code of Virginia §27.97 allows local jurisdictions to adopt fire prevention regulations that are more restrictive or more extensive in scope than the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Many local jurisdictions prohibit the use of all fireworks. Individuals should check with their city, county or town to determine any local regulations.
Click the graphics below to download and share on social media. Remember the only safe way to celebrate is by attending public displays. Leave fireworks to the professionals!
Each year countless Virginians are injured or worse due to fireworks. Pictured below is the State Fire Marshal's Office annual field testing of fireworks to compare the items to the performance criteria of the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory (AFSL) and are classified as "permissible fireworks" for purposes of applying and enforcing the Statewide Fire Prevention Code. These tests make sure only code compliant consumer grade fireworks are bought/sold in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The only safe way to view fireworks is by attending public displays and leaving the lighting of fireworks to the professionals.
Be Proactive
Be Safe While Using
Disposal of Fireworks
"Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape" by following these safety tips
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (October 14, 2022) – As National Fire Prevention Week comes to an end, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) reminds Virginians that fire prevention is not just a week-long event but a year-round focus.
“Fire education is not just for children,” said Ken Brown, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator. “National Fire Prevention Week is about making sure everyone – kids, adults and seniors – understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.”
Follow these ten safety tips to keep you and your family safe:
The 2022 Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. This week, VDFP released fire safety tips to help Virginians be prepared in case of an emergency:
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"Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape" by closing your door before you doze
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (October 13, 2022) – Did you know that closing your doors can reduce fire growth, limit damage and can even save your life if you become trapped during a fire? That is today’s tip from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) as part of National Fire Prevention Week.
According to the Fire Safety Research Institute, a closed door can make a 900 degree difference with an open-door room reaching 1,000 degrees compared to 100 degrees in a closed-door room.
“Make closing bedroom doors part of your routine,” said Ken Brown, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator. “Fire needs oxygen to burn and a closed door helps prevent the fire from getting more oxygen.”
For more information, visit the Fire Safety Research Institute’s “Close Before You Doze” webpage for more information: closeyourdoor.org
The 2022 Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. Each day, VDFP will release fire safety tips to help Virginians be prepared in case of an emergency.
"Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape" by conducting home fire drills twice a year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (October 12, 2022) – Today’s tip from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) for National Fire Prevention Week is to practice home fire drills at least twice a year.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, while 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it.
“A home escape plan that is regularly practiced saves lives,” said Ken Brown, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator. “Walking through the plan – just like kids practice fire drills at school – ensures everyone knows how to escape if the smoke alarm sounds.”
Follow these steps to protect you and your family:
The 2022 Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. Each day, VDFP will release fire safety tips to help Virginians be prepared in case of an emergency.
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"Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape" by knowing two ways out of every room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (October 11, 2022) – As National Fire Prevention Week continues, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) urges Virginia residents to make an escape plan with two ways out of every room.
According to the NFPA, only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
“Fire moves fast and every second counts when you need to get out,” said Ken Brown, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator. “Developing a home fire escape plan that includes two ways out of every room and meets the needs of your family is extremely important.”
Follow these steps to protect you and your family:
The 2022 Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires. Each day, VDFP will release fire safety tips to help Virginians be prepared in case of an emergency.
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"Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape" by installing and testing smoke alarms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND (October 10, 2022) – National Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15 and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) reminds Virginia residents to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their home.
The 2022 Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.
Working smoke alarms are an essential part of any home fire escape plan. According to the NFPA, three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
“You may have as little as two minutes – or even less time – to safely get out of your home during a fire,” said Ken Brown, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator. “A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm greatly increases your chances of surviving a home fire.”
Follow these tips to protect you and your family:
VDFP is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. Each day, VDFP will release fire safety tips to help Virginians be prepared in case of an emergency.
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