JULY 2006

Parades, cookouts, fireworks; American traditions.   A celebration of summer and of our nation's birthday; the Fourth of July. 

These joyful festivities can turn into painful memories when children or adults are injured.  In 2004, approximately 9,000 patients (half of them 15 years and under) were treated in hospital emergency rooms throughout Washington State for fireworks-related injuries.  Firefighters responded to more than 1,300 fireworks-related incidents, with property loss exceeding two million dollars.  During the Fourth of July 2003, Mount Vernon had in excess of 20 land/vegetation wildfires known to have been caused by fireworks. 

To help reduce the risk of fire and injury to citizens, local communities have adopted ordinances regulating the use of fireworks.  Sedro Woolley allows the discharge of fireworks between the hours of 9 am and 11 pm on July 4th only.  Anacortes and Burlington have BANNED fireworks altogether.

Within the Mount Vernon city limits, consumer fireworks may be legally discharged from noon to midnight on July 4th.  It is unlawful to use or discharge consumer fireworks within 300 feet of any City forest lands or parks.   Fines/penalties for fireworks violations vary from $50 to $150+.   You can also be held civilly liable for any damage or injuries caused by your actions. 

It is against the law for anyone under 16 to purchase fireworks.  Parents should not overestimate their child's ability to use good judgment when it comes to fireworks.  There was no adult supervision in about one-third of all the State's fireworks incidents last year.

Firecrackers, salutes, chasers, skyrockets, missile-type rockets and mortar-type fireworks are prohibited statewide. 

M80's, M100's, and M1000's are not fireworks.  THEY ARE FEDERALLY ILLEGAL EXPLOSIVE DEVICES, with many having as much explosive power as a quarter stick of dynamite.  They are very dangerous and can cause severe life-changing injuries. 

Fireworks (legal or illegal) that have been altered or tampered with are considered illegal explosive devices and carry both State and federal penalties. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following fireworks safety tips.

• Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances.  Sparklers, considered by many as the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing and cause serious burns.
• Older children should be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision.  Unused fireworks should be locked up, away from a child's access.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dried grass or leaves, and flammable materials.  Do not discharge fireworks in a heavily populated area.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.  Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.  Do not throw them, as dogs may try to "fetch" them.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.  Remember, altered or tampered fireworks are considered illegal explosive devices.

Enjoy a public fireworks display.  During the Fourth of July holiday, there are numerous public fireworks displays throughout the State.  To find one near you, go to the Washington State Patrol website www.wa.gov/wsp/fireworks "celebrate safely" and click on the Public Fireworks Events link.