State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy announced today that consumer firework sales across the state will begin at noon on Friday June 28 and continue until9:00 pm on July 5.
This year 877 retail fireworks stand licenses were issued. With the beginning of fireworks sales just days away it is a good time to remind everyone that, “Personal fireworks require personal responsibility.”
Statewide sales and discharge period allowed by RCW 70.77.395.
|
Date |
Sales Period |
Discharge Period |
|
June 28 |
12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
|
June 29 – July 3 |
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
|
July 4 |
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. |
|
July 5 |
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
|
December 27- 30 |
12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. |
No Discharge |
|
December 31 |
12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. |
6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight |
|
January 1 |
No Sales |
12:00 midnight to 1:00 a.m. |
“Parents should talk to their children before purchasing fireworks” says Duffy, with these as discussion points;
- Check with your local fire or police department;
o Be sure the fireworks you purchase are legal to possess and discharge
o Know the dates and times fireworks are allowed in your community
o Only purchase legal consumer fireworks
- Children should not be able to readily access fireworks in the home;
o Store fireworks in a secure location to prohibit access
o Purchase the day intended to use the fireworks
- Use care in selecting the area where you will be discharging fireworks;
o Follow the directions and warning on the firework
o No fireworks without adult supervision
o Summer weather conditions make grass and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire
o Do not allow young children (age 5 and younger) to play with fireworks under any circumstances – including sparklers.
“Don’t take any chances.” Duffy cautions “Stay away from high powered illegal explosive devices such as M80’s and homemade devices. Remember that although the 4th of July happens only once a year, these devices can cause a life altering injury that can last you a lifetime”.
Remember the three B’s of fireworks safety:
- Be Prepared
- Be Safe
- Be Responsible
Attending a public display is a safe and fun way to enjoy fireworks. To learn about a community fireworks display near you, visit our website athttp://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm. For more information contact your local fire department, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360) 596-3946.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is a Bureau of the Washington State Patrol, providing fire and life safety services to the citizens of Washington State including inspections of state licensed facilities, plan review of school construction projects, licensing of fire sprinkler contractors and pyrotechnic operators, training Washington State’s firefighters, and collecting emergency response data.
