Press Releases

PORT TOWNSEND—East Jefferson Fire Rescue, in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement, urge Jefferson County residents and visitors to use caution in purchasing fireworks for use outside the Port Townsend city limits.

Use of fireworks within Port Townsend city limits is banned. Possession or discharge of any fireworks is illegal within city limits.

Legal fireworks suitable for use in unrestricted areas of Jefferson County include the following: sparkler, flitter sparkler, cone fountain, mine/shell, smoke device, wheel cakes (up to 500 grams) aerial spinner, ground spinner, helicopters, cylindrical fountain, illuminating torch, Roman candle, reloadable mortars (up to 1 ¾”)

Illegal explosive devices include M-80s or larger; cherry bombs and tennis ball bombs, bottle rockets, missile-type rockets, chasers, firecrackers and salutes, other homemade or altered fireworks.

Firecrackers and chasers; bottle rockets, missiles and rockets are legal on Tribal lands only.

On July 4, fireworks can only be discharged between 9:00 AM and Midnight.

Only “State Legal” fireworks, purchased from a state licensed fireworks wholesaler may be sold in retail fireworks stands. The sale of fireworks is prohibited to persons under the age of 16 years.

Use care in selecting the area where you will be discharging fireworks. Only adults should light fireworks. Set boundaries that will keep children away from the discharge area and ensure the safety of pets.

Do not throw fireworks or hold in your hand. Light only one firework at a time and move away quickly.

Clean up all debris when finished. Duds can be dangerous. Never relight a dud. If a fireworks item does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least 15 minutes, approach it carefully, and place it in a bucket of water. Make sure unused fireworks, matches and lighters are out of sight and reach of children.

Enjoy a safe July Fourth celebration. PLAY IT SAFE!