The Winchester Fire and Rescue Department recommends that you enjoy fireworks at a professional event. If you do purchase fireworks for private use, purchase them from an approved vendor within the city. Please consider the following safety precautions and recommendations:
·Remember to obtain approval from property owners before igniting fireworks on their property.
·Be mindful and courteous of neighbors and pets when igniting fireworks.
·Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Adults should always supervise fireworks activities.
·Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
·Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
·Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. After fireworks have been fully discharged, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
·Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
·Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose close-by in case of fire or other mishap, especially during dry periods.
·Never use, ignite, or discharge any fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
·Never leave pets unattended, even in a fenced yard. The chaos may cause them to panic and try to escape.
See a list of fireworks being displayed in the valley here.