FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: K. Keplinger—360-344-4609

 

Fourth of July Fireworks

Be cautious in purchasing and discharging fireworks

 

PORT TOWNSEND—It’s nearly time to celebrate the country’s birthday with family reunions, picnics and the finale of the day—fireworks.

 

As of 0001, July 1, 2009, all burning in Jefferson County in the Olympic Region is prohibited until further notice because of Moderate Fire Danger. For land clearing and residential backyard burning, please contact Olympic Region Clean Air Agency at 1-800-422-5623 for burning regulations. If you have questions or would like to obtain a DNR burning permit for silvicultural burning, please call Olympic Region DNR at 360-374-6131.

 

East Jefferson Fire Rescue, in conjunction with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and 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 sparklers, flitter sparklers, cone fountains, mine/shell, smoke devices, wheel cakes up to (500 grams) aerial spinners, ground spinners, helicopters, cylindrical fountains, illuminating torches, Roman candles,  and 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!

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