King County Fire Marshal Shares July 4 Fireworks Safety Reminders

SEATTLE, WA — With public Fourth of July celebrations canceled across King County due to the coronavirus this year, the fire marshal is sharing a few reminders for those who live in the few areas that still allow for personal fireworks.

"This is not a normal year," said Chris Ricketts, King County Fire Marshal. "We're limited in terms of how we celebrate safely as a community. People who use fireworks at their homes and in their neighborhoods needs to remember that it comes with risks."

Ricketts pointed to two deaths and three dozen injuries linked to fireworks in 2019 to underline the importance of safe practices. Residents are also asked to consider the risk of injury, property loss and other neighborhood impacts associated with fireworks.

Of course, possessing or using fireworks remains illegal in many King County cities, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Woodinville, Issaquah and Sammamish. In areas where they are allowed, setting off fireworks is only legal on July 4.

Related: When And Where You Can Buy Fireworks In Washington

General fireworks rules in King County:

• 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 retailer 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 can legally start at noon, June 28 through 11 p.m. After that, 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.

Fireworks safety tips:

• 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).