Fourth of July Fireworks Safety

Though fireworks are banned both in Sammamish and Issaquah, many people enjoy in unincorporated King County, and the State Fire Marshal and Eastside Fire & Rescue offer tips for using fireworks safely.

To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, Eastside Fire & Rescue offers the following safety tips:

Before you light fireworks — be prepared:

• Purchase only legal fireworks, available at approved stands.
• Talk with family members and guests about laws in your area.
• Place pets indoors; they may become frightened.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to place used fireworks inside.
• Have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out any stray sparks from fireworks.
• Know the emergency number to call for your area, your home address/location, and basic first aid.

When lighting fireworks — be safe:

• To prevent injuries, never throw fireworks and never hold fireworks in your hand.
• Follow family boundaries, only a designated adult should light all fireworks.
• Light one at a time, move away quickly, and keep at a safe distance until the display is finished.
• Use only outdoors, away from anything that can burn.
  

After you finish — be responsible:

• Clean up all debris when finished.
• If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least fifteen minutes and approach it carefully.
• Place it in a bucket of water to soak.
• Be sure all unused fireworks, matches, and lighters are out of the sight and reach of children.

Even legal fireworks can be dangerous.  Alarming statistics show children between the ages of 6-11 years old account for the highest percentage of injuries each year.  Something as simple as a fireworks sparkler burns at a temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.  All too often, “Safe and Legal” fireworks end up in the hands of young children who are usually unsupervised. 

State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy said in a news release that in 2011 there were 264 fires caused by fireworks. Residential fires accounted for 89 fires with an estimated loss of over $568,846 dollars.

Using fireworks in a negligent or reckless manner can have criminal and/or legal consequences, the Office of the Fire Marshal said in the release.  Consequences range from being charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or even a felony.  A gross misdemeanor can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in prison.  Possession of illegal explosive devices, such as M-80’s, a homemade device or an altered firework is both a state and federal offense.

Summer weather conditions can make grasses and other vegetation dry and susceptible to fire. A person found responsible for a starting a wildland fire with fireworks can be required to pay restitution for the fire suppression costs and damages caused by the fire.  This could be in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Residents should talk with family members and guests about the fireworks laws for their area.  To learn more about fireworks ordinances in cities and counties and other information regarding fireworks, check the fireworks safety web site at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.  Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedoms.  Celebrate it safely and legally.

Eastside Fire & Rescue and fire departments throughout the State encourage people to take a few precautions during this Fourth of July. The agency says that the safest way to celebrate is to attend a fireworks display in your area.

--Information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and from Eastside Fire & Rescue