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Be safe and enjoy a public fireworks display this Fourth of July

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Be safe and enjoy a public fireworks display this Fourth of July

Summary

Whether you live in a city or unincorporated King County, chances are there’s a professional show close to you.

Story

Watching a professional fireworks show is a great way to enjoy pyrotechnic fun while staying safe and minimizing the risk of wildfires and injury. Here are several options in King County:

 

 

For do-it-yourselfers

 

In unincorporated King County: With sale of state-approved consumer fireworks beginning this week, King County reminds you that in unincorporated areas, fireworks may be discharged only on Thursday, July 4, between 9 a.m. and midnight.

 

By King County Code, fireworks are not allowed on any King County Parks properties—including Marymoor Park, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, Skyway Park in Skyway, and all other parks properties—except for authorized fireworks displays (see list above).

 

In cities: A number of cities in King County restrict or prohibit the discharge of fireworks. To find out what rules apply in your area, check with the specific city.

 

If you choose to celebrate at home, King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts urges you to follow the three B’s:

 

  • Be prepared before lighting any firework
  • Be safe when fireworks are being lit
  • Be responsible after fireworks are done

 

Here are more details about using fireworks safely and responsibly:

 

  • Use only approved, legal fireworks from reliable Washington State and King County Fire Marshal-licensed retailers.
  • You must be at least 16 years old, with photo identification, to purchase fireworks.
  • Always have a responsible adult light all fireworks.
  • 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.
  • Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them.
  • Keep pets safe. Use eye protection. Clean up all debris.
  • If it has a stick or fins and it goes up, or if it explodes, it is illegal in Washington State.

 

For more information, visit the King County Permitting’s Burn Bans & Fireworks page or the Washington State Patrol’s Fireworks page.

 

RELEVANT LINKS 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 
Chris Ricketts, King County Fire Marshal, 206-296-6675


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