The Washington region’s patchwork of fireworks rules means some residents can’t shoot off any, but homeowners just blocks away can delight Independence Day barbecue guests with fountains and sparklers. Public safety officials say they plan to crack down on illegal fireworks this holiday weekend, but getting people to follow regulations in the D.C. area is challenging because some jurisdictions’ rules are more stringent than others, it’s easy to obtain illegal devices and the transient population means people don’t always know the rules.

All consumer fireworks are illegal in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, Alexandria and Falls Church. Some devices — generally, ground-based sparklers that don’t explode or emit flames — are permitted in the District and Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties.