Tuesday, June 29, 2021

JULY 4- Fireworks Safety

With the Fourth of July rapidly approaching, new rules are in place for July 4, 2021. Discharge of fireworks is now banned in portions of Southwest Snohomish County (see map-  https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/81528/SW-Snohomish-County-Fireworks-Ban-Area?bidId=). Violating the ban can cause a $500 penalty, a civil infraction, and the possibility of court-ordered restitution. Coupled with the fireworks bans in the adjoining cities, fireworks are banned in the most populous and developed part of the county. Fireworks may be discharged in the rest of the county only on the Fourth of July from 9am until midnight.

Fireworks may be sold in this unincorporated southwest area but may not be discharged.

 Also, the Snohomish County Fire Marshal has instituted a burn ban until further notice due to the hot, dry weather that we have been experiencing. This is a time to closely observe the fireworks bans and when you do discharge fireworks that you use good safety practices. Grasses, shrubs, and trees are bone dry after the record heat that we have experienced, and fire can spread fast in these conditions.

Remember, you can only shoot fireworks in approved areas between 9am and 11:59pm on July 4. Do not discharge fireworks before or after July 4. Cities within Snohomish County set their own regulations regarding fireworks. Fireworks are banned in Arlington, Brier, Edmonds, Everett, Gold Bar, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, and Woodway.

The following map shows where you can and cannot discharge fireworks in Snohomish County:

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/65316/Fireworks-Discharge-Map-July-4th-2019

 Also, remember it is illegal to:


·         Discharge fireworks in any Washington State Park or Snohomish County Park

·         Discharge fireworks on federal and state land, including those managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.

·         Discharge fireworks on public property, public streets, sidewalks, parking lots, or school property.

·         Discharge fireworks on private property without permission, and to discharge fireworks from private property onto public property.

·         Possess or discharge illegal fireworks. Firecrackers, rockets, M-80s, dynamite, and all homemade fireworks are all illegal.

  

The Fire Marshal’s Office recommends that you take the following measures to use fireworks safely:

         in case of an emergency, when there is an immediate threat to life or property, dial 9-1-1.

         have a bucket of water for emergencies and to douse used fireworks. Keep the ground wet.

         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.

         only light one firework at a time.

 

Also, if you see illegal discharge of fireworks, please call the non-emergency phone number, (425) 407-3999 DO NOT call 911 unless there is an immediate threat to life or property.

http://snohomishcountywa.gov/3637/Calling-911

 For other resources about fireworks, go to,

My Everett News:

https://myeverettnews.com/2021/06/29/you-can-buy-fireworks-south-of-everett-you-just-cant-shoot-them-off-there/

 

South County Fire Newsletter, “South County Siren”:

https://www.southsnofire.org/home/showpublisheddocument/3134/637602363306727279

 

National Fire Protection Association:

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Seasonal-fires/Fireworks

 

Consumer Product Safety Commission:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks/

 

Washington State Patrol, Legal and Illegal Fireworks:

 http://www.wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/fireworks_stand_list_legal_and_illegal-1.pdf

 

Snohomish County Fire Marshal:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/1164/Fireworks 

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/81527/Stay-Safe-and-Legal-this-4th-of-July-flyer-2021?bidId=

  

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/290/Fireworks

 

 

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