Fireworks Sales Begins Today

Editor's Note: The following is a press release issued Wednesday from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy announced Wednesday that consumer firework sales around the state will begin at noon, this Thursday June 28th until 9:00 pm on July 5th.  This year 900 retail fireworks stand licenses were issued.  With the beginning of fireworks sales just days away, it’s 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 28th

12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

June 29th to July 3rd

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

July 4th

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

July 5th

9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

December 27th to 30th

12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m.

No Discharge

December 31st

12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight

January 1st

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 – even sparklers.

Don’t take any chances Duffy cautions, “Stay away from high powered illegal explosive devices such as M80’s or homemade device, while 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 at http://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.