SPOKANE, Wash. — Independence Day is coming up, which means firework-related injuries will be on the rise once again. However, Spokane has been keeping their numbers low for years.
Spokane initiated the fireworks ban 32 years ago. Before the ban, Spokane firefighters say they responded to an average of 104 firework-related injuries between June 28 and July 6. Since then, the numbers have dropped from 104 injuries to only 5.
Based on the number of firework-related fires between 1983 and 1992, the firework ban has prevented at least 2,700 fires.
Regional Fire Departments remind everyone that fireworks are illegal in the following areas: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood, Liberty Lake, and the incorporated areas of Spokane Valley.
Illegal use or possession of fireworks can result in fines of up to $536 for each violation.
Firework patrols will be out on Thursday, July 4. Any violation of the firework ban should be reported to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.
All fireworks are prohibited, including large flares, specialty fireworks, firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles, sparklers, torpedoes, bottle rockets, certain propellants, and similar materials that contain any combustible or explosive compound.
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