Everett, Wash.
Published: Saturday, June 28, 2008

Safety warnings go out as fireworks go on sale

Firefighters urge safety after blazes caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage last year.

By Jackson Holtz, Herald Writer

 Fireworks go on sale today and officials want people to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, not in the hospital.

"We want them to be responsible when they are enjoying the July Fourth holiday," Snohomish County Fire Marhsal Tom Maloney said.

Too frequently, fireworks are blamed for serious injuries, brush fires and significant property damage, he said.

In 2007, mishaps with fireworks in Snohomish County were blamed for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

Nationwide, more than 11,000 injuries are reported each year as a result of mishandling and misuse of fireworks.

In Washington state, children ages 14 and under make up about a third of the people who are hurt.

"Only adults should light fireworks," said Steve Sherman, a deputy chief with Snohomish County Fire District 1. "Just because they're legal, doesn't mean they're safe. You need to exercise caution, use good judgment and properly follow fireworks instructions."

Last year, fireworks sparked three blazes that caused $600,000 damage in Fire District 1 in south Snohomish County. Illegal aerial fireworks were to blame for the two most devastating fires, Sherman said.

"Both were started by ­fireworks launched by someone other than the homeowners," he said. "In one case, an elderly couple lost the home they had lived in for decades as well as most of their belongings due to the careless use of fireworks."

Simple preparation with a bucket of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher is a good idea in case fireworks go astray, said Stephanie Price, a spokeswoman for the Marysville Fire Department.

If a bottle rocket or other firework lands on a roof "you want to make sure you have water handy," she said. If the fire is burning quickly, call 911.

People should only use fireworks sold at state-licensed fireworks stands, Maloney said. Any fireworks bought elsewhere, including some bought at Boom City on the Tulalip Reservation, may be illegal to use elsewhere.

State law restricts fireworks use to limited hours on a handful of days each year. Many cities in Snohomish County follow similar guidelines and some cities, including Everett, prohibit fireworks altogether.

"It's not necessary to find them lighting off the fireworks, if they are simply in possession of the firework, that's a misdemeanor," punishable by a fine up to $500 or a maximum of 90 days in jail, Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz said.

On Camano Island, a special task force made up of police and fire officials, will patrol for illegal fireworks use.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to one of several large-scale civic firework displays planned for Friday's holiday, the county fire marshal said.

"We don't want people to manufacturer their own fireworks display," Maloney said.



Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437 or jholtz@heraldnet.com.

Correction, June 30, 2008: The "local fireworks rules" sidebar accompanying this article originally provided incomplete information.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA