If you’re thinking fireworks this Fourth of July, be sure it’s legal first.
Lighting fireworks is prohibited in Everett as well as Arlington, Bothell, Edmonds, Gold Bar, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo and unincorporated southwest Snohomish County.
In the city of Snohomish, fireworks may only be shot off within city limits from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
In Monroe, fireworks may only be used between 9 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on July 4.
Lake Stevens only allows fireworks 9 a.m. to midnight July 4. In unincorporated areas of the county, fireworks are only allowed between 9 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. July 4.
The type of permissible firework is also limited. Although fireworks like rockets, sky missiles, and firecrackers may be legal on tribal lands, they are not legal elsewhere. M-80s are illegal everywhere.
A few safety precautions can go a long way, such as having a bucket of water nearby to put spent fireworks into. Watch out for children, and don’t let them light fireworks unattended. Fire District 4 suggests using a “punk stick” to light firework fuses versus a lighter or matches. A “punk stick” is a long stick that smolders and are often sold at firework stands.
Call 425-407-3999 to report non-life-threatening firework use. Immediately call 911 only if a fire breaks out or a person is injured.
It is illegal to discharge fireworks at city parks and schools, including the parking lot.
Have a full bucket of water handy to dump firework leftovers into, and leave them there overnight.
There are many opportunities to see a public fireworks display, such as at the Fourth of July Festival in Everett (see page 16, this edition) or the USA Birthday Bash demolition derby at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe.
— Tribune archives were used in this story
