Submitted by Thurston County
Thurston County firefighters and paramedics are reminding residents that fireworks safety is the key to having a 4th of July celebration to remember instead of a tragic accident you’d rather forget.
Thurston County Director of Emergency Services Steve Romines said the arrival of Independence Day each year also brings the unfortunate arrival of fireworks-related injuries. Each year, Thurston County 9-1-1 Dispatch logs hundreds of fireworks-related calls, some of them involving serious injuries.
“The safest bet by far is to leave it to the pros and enjoy one of the licensed public fireworks displays,” Romines said. “But if you’re going to light your own fireworks, following a few basic safety rules will save you from injury, and could even save your life.”
The sale of fireworks in unincorporated Thurston County is legal only at inspected and approved stands from noon on June 28 through 9 p.m. on July 4. Daily sales before July 4 are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is legal to discharge fireworks only from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and 4. The sale and discharge of fireworks is not allowed in the cities of Olympia or Lacey.
If you plan to use legal fireworks this 4th of July, following a few fireworks safety tips can help keep your holiday fun, safe and sane.
- Keep lit fireworks away from flammable materials like grass, wood, pine needles, and structures like houses, garages or barns.
- Keep a water source handy to deal with potential fires and douse all fireworks to make sure they are out.
- Use only “safe and sane” fireworks. In Washington state that means no bottle rockets, no firecrackers, no cherry bombs and no missiles.
- Do not hold or throw fireworks after they are lit and do not relight unexploded fireworks.
- Have an adult present at all times when fireworks are being set off, and young children should never light fireworks.
To learn more about fireworks safety and injury prevention, go to the Washington State Patrol website at www.wsp.wa.gov. The Washington State Patrol website also has a list of public fireworks displays in Thurston County and throughout the state.
- Fireworks sales in unincorporated Thurston County: June 28 through July 4 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
- Discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Thurston County: July 3 and 4 ONLY between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
