SPOKANE, Wash. — If you plan on lighting fireworks off to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, you could face a fine of more than $500.
Amateur fireworks have been illegal for 27 years in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood, Liberty Lake and unincorporated areas of Spokane County.
Illegal possession of fireworks in those areas can result in a $536 fine for each violation. Those who start fires are also liable for restitution of damaged property and fire department response costs.
In Spokane County, violators could face a fine of up to $1,000 based on the severity of circumstances.
The prohibited fireworks include large flares, specialty fireworks and larger devices used in public displays, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles and bottle rockets.
A spokesperson for Spokane Fire said the fireworks ban has prevented an estimated 2,200 fires.
In the 10 years before the fireworks ordinance, firefighters responded to an average of 104 fireworks-caused fires in city limits between June 28 and July 6. After the ban was enacted, the average number of fires near the Fourth of July dropped to five or fewer.
Violations of the fireworks ban should be reported to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233. Do not call 911 unless the violation involves an emergency.
There are several exceptions to the fireworks ban in Spokane County. Fireworks can be used – with some restrictions – on private property only until midnight on the Fourth of July in Airway Heights, 11 p.m. in Medical Lake and 10 p.m. in Deer Park.
Lincoln, Stevens and Whitman counties allow fireworks through the Fourth of July, with some cities allowing them until July 5, according to the Washington State Patrol.
In Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, “safe and sane” fireworks are legal on private property. Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, cannon crackers, giant crackers, salutes, silver tube salutes, cherry bombs, mines, ground bombardment and grasshoppers.
Skyrockets and similar devices are also illegal in North Idaho.
It is not legal for anyone to ignite fireworks in public areas like parks, playgrounds, trails, parking lots, and the grounds of public buildings and schools.
Professional Independence Day firework displays will light up the skies throughout Spokane and North Idaho on Thursday.
Some of the locations where you can catch a show include Riverfront Park, Northern Quest and the Coeur d’Alene Resort.
