Slow start to summer should not dampen fireworks caution
June 27, 2012
By Staff
Summer has arrived with a whimper once again. Snoqualmie Valley agencies said that’s no reason to act carefree around July 4 fireworks.
Within city and county limits, people should not just trust the gray skies or the moist soil, multiple press releases warn.
In Snoqualmie, city officials said only adults should handle fireworks, keeping a bucket of water nearby in which to dunk used ones. And children should learn the “stop, drop and roll” move.
Fireworks in Snoqualmie may be discharged from 6-11 p.m. July 4. Fireworks are not allowed in public parks and should only be purchased from state-licensed stands. Sale of fireworks is allowed only from noon June 28 to noon July 5.
Bottle rockets, firecrackers, missiles and rockets are legal to possess, but only on tribal lands.
All of those regulations won’t keep residents from having a blast.
Though it has no fireworks scheduled, the Snoqualmie Ridge Renters and Owners Association has prepared a Fourth of July celebration complete with a mini-parade, inflatable games, a petting zoo, teen activities and three local bands. Festivities start at 10:30 a.m. outside Cascade View Elementary School, 34816 Douglas Ave. S.E.
In North Bend and in unincorporated King County, discharge of fireworks is legal from 9 a.m. to midnight July 4. Sale of fireworks is legal between noon June 28 and 11 p.m. July 4.
In King County and in the rest of the state, you must be 16 or older, with state-issued ID card in hand to buy fireworks.
The city of North Bend encouraged families using fireworks to:
- Place pets indoors — they may become frightened.
- Have a fire hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of stray sparks.
- Know the emergency number to call for your area, your home address or location, and basic first aid.
- Never hold fireworks in your hand or throw them.
- Light one piece of fireworks at a time, run away and keep a safe distance until the display is finished.
- Never re-light any fireworks.
- Use fireworks only outdoors.
The danger does not stop at fireworks. Unattended campfires, faulty vehicle mufflers, cigarettes discarded while still lit and outdoor burning can cause a fire.
The state Department of Natural Resources recommends:
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Always ensure it’s out before leaving the area.
- Ensure your recreational vehicle has an operating spark arrester and do not park it or any other vehicle in dry, grassy areas. Heat from the exhaust can ignite the dry grass.
If you must see fireworks, you can watch professionals handle them at dusk July 4 in downtown Carnation and at 10:05 p.m. in Bellevue’s Downtown Park.
Just remember, caution should not stop when the colored lights do.
Eastside Fire & Rescue asks residents to:
- Clean up all debris when finished.
- Ensure all unused fireworks, matches and lighters are out of the sight and reach of children.
If a piece of fireworks does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least 15 minutes, approach it carefully and place it in a bucket of water to soak.
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