King County Cautions Against Fireworks, Even Where They Are Legal

KING COUNTY, WA — The King County Fire Marshal is pleading for caution heading into Independence Day and asking residents to refrain from using personal fireworks, even in the few places they remain legal. Despite the recent and welcome relief from the heat, officials warn that Western Washington is experiencing prolonged dry stretch without any measurable precipitation in the forecast.

Puget Sound fire crews are already seeing some fireworks-related brush fires.

The vast majority of King County cities have laws on the books banning consumer fireworks, including Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond and Renton. King County passed an ordinance this year banning fireworks in unincorporated areas, but it will not take effect until 2022. On Mercer Island, where fireworks are typically legal for a short window, the city's fire chief signed an emergency order to ban them, citing extreme fire dangers.

Even where they remain technically legal, officials note a burn ban is already in place for unincorporated King County and ask residents to reconsider using any kind of fireworks.

"While we want everyone to enjoy their Fourth of July holiday, the safest bet this year is to avoid lighting them altogether," said Chris Ricketts, King County Fire Marshal. "Conditions are extremely dry given the recent extreme heat wave. If you do light fireworks, people must be aware of their potential dangers.

For those who choose to use fireworks anyway, the fire marshal's office shared a few reminders:

• Fireworks are banned in many King County cities (check with your local jurisdiction)
• Fireworks purchased from approved firework stands can only be discharged in unincorporated King County on July 4, and they must be sold by Washington State licensed retailers at approved permitted stands.
• Fireworks not purchased from a state-licensed, fireworks retailor cannot legally be discharged in unincorporated King County. They may be considered explosive material.
• If it has a stick or fins and it goes up, or if it explodes, it is illegal in Washington State.
• Fireworks are not allowed in King County Parks, per King County Code.
• Fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
• Fireworks sales are allowed 9 a.m.-11 p.m., through July 4. You must be at least 16 years old, with photo identification, to purchase fireworks.
• If you choose to buy and discharge fireworks, follow these safety tips:
• Always have a responsible adult light all fireworks.
• Use eye protection.
• Have a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy.
• Use fireworks outdoors only—away from buildings, houses with wood exteriors, trees, and dry fields.
• Avoid aerial fireworks.
• Light one item at a time, move away quickly, and have everyone keep a safe distance.
• If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least five minutes before approaching it.
• Clean up all debris and soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them.
• Keep pets safe (Regional Animal Services of King County provides information about fireworks safety for pets).

While many of King County's professional fireworks displays are canceled this year, there are still a handful of options to choose from, including:

• Bellevue 4th of July Fireworks
  • Where: Downtown Park in Bellevue
  • When: July 4, with fireworks starting at 10:05 p.m.
  • Learn more.
• Emerald Downs Fireworks Spectacular
  • Where: Emerald Downs in Auburn
  • When: July 3, after the races. Gates open at 1 p.m.
  • Learn more.
• The Great Carnation 4th of July Celebration*
  • Where: Carnation, Wash.
  • When: July 4, with fireworks beginning at 10:10 p.m.
  • *Organizers may cancel due to dry weather. Final decision expected 7/3.
  • Learn more.

Anyone looking to report illegal fireworks over the holiday weekend is encouraged to contact King County's 24-hour non-emergency line at 206-296-3311.