Igniting fireworks has been a hotly debated topic for cities in King County.

In Maple Valley, fireworks are prohibited and people could face a hefty fine if they light fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Covington has different laws completely. The city allows residents to light fireworks, but only within certain times of the day on specific holidays.

According to the King County code, the times and days the public can sell and purchase fireworks are from noon to 11 p.m. June 28 and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29. These times are the same for the unincorporated areas of King County. The only days it is allowed to light off the fireworks will be on the Fourth of July.

Within the areas that allow fireworks, it is important to note not all fireworks are legal.

The King County code states, “the term does not include fireworks commonly known as firecrackers, salutes, chasers, skyrockets and missile type rockets.” These fireworks are not to be sold or ignited during anytime of day.

According to Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly, there will be more officers on duty on the Fourth of July in the Maple Valley area. He also said when police get called about fireworks, the violators will first be issued an “education piece,” about how they should not let off fireworks due to the dangers it can cause.

Next, if the police return to the same location for another complaint, that person or persons will be given a violation or noise complaint.

According to Kelly, the reason the city banned fireworks is because they are a “humongous safety hazard.”

Kelley and Covington Police Chief Andrew McCurdy also expressed concerns about our veterans.

In previous years, veterans with post traumatic stress disorder wanted to make it apparent to the public lighting off fireworks during holidays is actually quite stressful and frightening for them, according to Military with PTSD.

According to McCurdy, if someone is caught with fireworks that are considered illegal in Covington, they will be issued a citation and a fine of $150. The violation could also result in arrest and potential jail time.

Loud fireworks are one of the biggest complaints in Covington, according to McCurdy.

“Our problems are primarily with people who create a nuisance, torment and endanger other people and animals by using fireworks negligently or recklessly,” he said. “We just ask people to respectful of others.”

Capt. Kyle Ohashi, spokesman for the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and the Maple Valley Fire Department, said the majority of service industries selling fireworks are selling illegal ones. This makes it hard from these areas to combat firework crime with.

Ohashi said the weather on Independence Day plays a major role in how likely a fire can get started. This Fourth of July the weather is forecast to be partly cloudy. But with no new rain before or during the holiday, the grounds will be dry and this will increase the potential of fires.

One of the best ways to still have family fun and to stay safe this holiday, Ohashi said, is to go to a local firework show in your area.

“People need to be safe on the Fourth of July and need to see shows in the area.” He said. “They are very impressive and free to the public.”

Kelly also said people in the Maple Valley area there is the firework show at Lake Wilderness Park. It starts at 4 p.m. and will last until about 10 p.m.

For more information regarding King County-specific restrictions and limitations, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/permitting-environmental-review/fire-marshal/fireworks.aspx.