SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — With the Fourth of July holiday coming up on Tuesday, many people may be planning to light off fireworks to celebrate. However, doing so at the wrong place and time could cost you a fine of more than $500.
Many cities in Washington have banned lighting off and possessing fireworks, including Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. In several cities across Spokane County, fireworks are illegal, including:
- Spokane
- Spokane Valley
- Liberty Lake
- Millwood
- Cheney
- Unincorporated parts of Spokane County
Fireworks are not illegal across the county, however. In Airway Heights, lighting off fireworks is permitted only on private property between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight on the Fourth of July. Lighting off fireworks in public parks, roadways, sidewalks or other public property is not permitted.
- Large flares
- Specialty fireworks
- Larger devices used in public displays
- Firecrackers
- Torpedoes
- Skyrockets
- Roman candles
- Bottle rockets
People can receive fines for the illegal possession or use of fireworks ranging from $536 to $1,000 for each infraction, according to Spokane Communications Director Brian Coddington. Possession of illegal explosive devices, including altered legal fireworks, is a felony and could give violators a state or federal charge.
In 2021, the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office received 180 reports of firework-related incidents. 110 of those incidents resulted in fires and 70 resulted in injuries. The number of injuries is down 30% from 2020.
According to Washington State Patrol (WSP), 23 of the reported injuries happened after someone was hit by a firework or firework debris. 19 of the injuries were classified as burns
Spokane Fire Department (SFD) is asking residents to report fireworks violations if they see them being used or sold illegally. Violations can be reported to Crime Check by calling (509) 456-2233.
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