Firework injury calls down this year compared to this time last year Every year, 19,000 fires are caused by fireworks and 9,000 people are injured Published: Tags: ROANOKE, Va. – Compared to this time last year, Roanoke Fire-EMS officials say firework injury-related calls are down. You may remember, fireworks were a nuisance in many communities, according to residents. While that doesn’t appear to be a major or widespread issue right now, officials still want to remind you about firework dangers. Fireworks are mostly illegal in Virginia. While some variations of fireworks are legal, Anyone caught buying, using or in possession of illegal fireworks in Virginia can face up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Localities can set their own limits on fireworks, with some banning them entirely and others enforcing strict restrictions.