By Polly Keary, Editor
Every year, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, fireworks cause millions of dollars in damage, some of it startling, such as the 2009 incident when a marine flare intended for emergencies struck a neighbor's home in Everett and blew a large hole through the wall.
Statewide last year, there were 354 injuries and fires related to use of fireworks over the 4th. Of those incidents, 26 fires and 64 injuries were caused by illegal devices. Seven incidents, including five fires and two incidents of injury to the face, hands and torso, involved "sparkler bombs," made of bunches of sparklers taped together, which are considered improvised explosive devices.
The sheriff's office is asking area residents to consider attending a public fireworks display, and if lighting fireworks, to abide by the rules.
Fireworks must be purchased from a stand, rather than the internet or off craigslist. And be aware that some fireworks sold at stands on reservations may not be legal in your area.
Firecrackers, rockets, bottle rockets, M-80s, dynamite, and homemade fireworks are not legal.
Unincorporated Snohomish County
If you don't live inside the city limits of any town, then the rules of unincorporated Snohomish County apply to you.
That means you can only light fireworks on July 4, from 9 a.m. to midnight. They are not to be used on any school property, or in any park, DNR or Forest Service land.
Gold Bar
Fireworks aren't allowed in Gold Bar.
Sultan
Sultan follows the state laws on fireworks, which are somewhat less restrictive than those of the unincorporated county.
By state law, it's okay to light fireworks starting June 28. On June 28, it is allowed to light fireworks starting at noon, until 11 p.m.
June 29-July 3, fireworks are okay from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.
On the 4th of July, fireworks are okay from 9 a.m. until midnight.
July 5, fireworks can be lit from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Index
Fireworks are only allowed on private property, from 9 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. on the 4th.
Monroe
Fireworks are only allowed on the 4th of July. They can be lit from 9 a.m. until midnight.
The Sheriff's Office recommends the following safety precautions: - " Store fireworks where kids can't get them.
- " Keep pets safe indoors; every year pets are lost when the noise of fireworks causes them to panic and run away.
- " Keep water nearby when lighting fireworks.
- " Only adults should light fireworks.
- " Fireworks should never be lit indoors.
- " Do not throw fireworks or hold them in hand.
- " Keep matches and lighters away from kids.
- " Protect your eyes.
- " Only light one firework at a time, and step away once the fuse is lit.
- " Never relight a firework that doesn't seem to be working.
- " When you are done, throw all your spent fireworks in a bucket of water.
- " Be considerate and don't leave your spent fireworks out in the street. Pick them up.
Fireworks on a white background
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