In a recent press release (http://www.co.snohomish.wa.us/documents/Departments/PDS/Fire_Marshall/execsversionof4thofJulyfireworkssafetyPressRelease.pdf)
it points out that nationwide, twice as many fires are reported on July 4 than
on any other day of the year. And, fireworks account for two out of five fires
on July 4, more than any other cause of fires.
Knowing when you can shoot fireworks is an important element
to fireworks safety. In unincorporated Snohomish County, you can only shoot
fireworks between 9am and 11:59pm on July 4. Cities within Snohomish County set
their own regulations regarding fireworks. The following handout lists the
rules for most cities in the county:
The Fire Marshal’s Office recommends that you take the
following measures to use fireworks safely:
- in case of an emergency,
dial 9-1-1.
- have a bucket of water for
emergencies and to douse used fireworks.
- never build or experiment
with homemade fireworks.
- never let children handle
or light fireworks; even sparklers can be dangerous.
- never ignite fireworks
while holding them; light one at a time and move away quickly.
- make sure you give
yourself enough room in a safe location – away from buildings, vehicles
and flammable materials.
- never light fireworks
inside a structure.
- watch what you wear; loose
clothing can catch fire while handling fireworks.
- never try to re-ignite
fireworks that have malfunctioned; soak them in water, then throw them
away.
- never ignite fireworks
while you are under the influence of alcohol and/or mind-altering drugs.
- never aim fireworks at vehicles, homes, or people.
For more information on the safe use of fireworks, contact
the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office at 425-388-3557.
For more information about fireworks go to:
One city that bans fireworks is Everett. Look at the
following link to My Everett News for more information about Everett’s ban:
