Consumer firework sales across the state will begin at noon on Wednesday, June 28, and continue until 9 p.m. on July 5. State Fire Marshal Charles P. LeBlanc reminds residents to “know the laws before purchasing and discharging fireworks,” and “only purchase legal fireworks.” This year 867 retail fireworks stand licenses were issued.
It’s against the law to discharge fireworks inside Edmonds city limits but legal in unincorporated areas of Snohomish County on July 4 only. If you have a fireworks complaint, Edmonds police ask that you call the non-emergency number at 425-775-3000.
Personal fireworks require personal responsibility. With a little care and planning you can ensure that your family has a fun and safe Fourth of July. Here are some tips from the fire marshal’s office:
– Children should not be able to readily access fireworks in the home.
– Store fireworks in a secure location to prohibit access
– Purchase the day intended to use the fireworks
· Use care in selecting the area where you will be discharging fireworks
– Follow the directions and warning listed on the firework
– No discharge of fireworks without adult supervision
– Summer weather conditions make grass and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire
– Do not allow children to play with fireworks under any circumstances
Remember the “three Bs” of fireworks safety:
Be Prepared – Have water nearby and put pets indoors
Be Safe – Only adults should light fireworks
Be Responsible – Clean up fireworks debris
Attending a public display is a safe and fun way to enjoy fireworks. The City of Edmonds offers a fireworks display on July 4th at Civic Field downtown. Doors open at 6 p.m., with entertainment, food trucks and contests. The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. More information here.
The City of Mountlake Terrace will have a fireworks show a day earlier, on July 3, at Ballinger Park just east of Edmonds on Lakeview Drive. Activities begin at 3 p.m. and include family games, pony rides, water balls, train rides, food booths, food trucks, face painting, red, white and blue arts and crafts activities, carnival games and local business booths. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m. You can learn more here.
Hi Teresa- on the Nextdoor site, some are quoting the county site that states ALL legal fireworks, even in unincorporated areas, are allowed on July 4th ONLY. Can you help clear this up as it differs from your info? Thanks
From the Snohomish County website: “It is illegal to discharge fireworks before or after the Fourth of July. Fireworks are always illegal in unincorporated Snohomish County before and after the Fourth of July.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office was referring to statewide rules but of course local laws vary. The article didn’t say July 4th only in unincorporated areas but I just added that to the story.
Please, please, please Snohomish County pass a county-wide firework ban!
Every year in my neighborhood (Esperance area) there are fireworks well into the middle of the night. When I leave for work on July 5th, the pavement is usually not visible in some places with all of the firework papers and trash.
Thank goodness for the Edmonds ban. I will take my miniature dachshund to my mom’s where it’s all banned. Thank you Edmonds!
Would it be reasonable to ban Fireworks in Rural areas? Nope. Which is why a county-wide ban is ridiculous. I can understand pressing for a ban in the Esperance area alone, or perhaps pressing to have Esperance incorporated. I personally find it a shame that fireworks such as Sparklers and Fountains are banned.