Officials Issue Reminder that Fireworks Bought Online are Illegal

With less than a month until the 4th of July, Washington State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy reminds residents this week that it is illegal to purchase fireworks over the Internet.

Fireworks must be purchased from a licensed retail fireworks stand during the legal sales period, a press release from Duffy's office said this week.

Fireworks allowed under state law are permitted in the city of Enumclaw, according to Enumclaw Fire Capt. Randy Fehr. Fireworks stands in the city of Enumclaw are inspected prior to opening to ensure that all fireworks in the stand are legal.

Examples of legal fireworks include sparklers, illuminating torches, ground spinners, roman candles and helicopters. (See attached PDF for full list of both legal and illegal fireworks.)

Fireworks purchased on a reservation are legal on reservation lands only, said Fehr. 

In fact, the number of retail fireworks stand licenses issued in 2012 is down 4.2%, or 39 licenses, from 2011, according to Duffy's office.  Five such licenses have been issued in King County this year. A state license is required before a city or county can issue a permit to operate a fireworks stand in Washington. 

In Enumclaw, the legal sale of fireworks takes place from 12 p.m. to 11 pm. on June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. between June 29 and July 3; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4.

On July 4, both Enumclaw police and fire personnel will be conducting joint fireworks enforcement, Fehr said. Illegal fireworks in the city of Enumclaw will be confiscated.

To avoid the hassle and fire risk, consider leaving the fireworks to the professionals and celebrate our nation's Independence Day at the instead.

For more information about fireworks safety and regulations in Washington state, visit http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.