Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >> Darren Breen / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Rhett Miller, 18, of Bothell runs after setting off a firework Friday in the lighting area at Boom City on the Tulalip Reservation. Miller said he ran away because "it was pretty loud and I like my hearing." Darren Breen / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Alex McMeeken, 12, of Everett runs after lighting a Roman candle Friday at Boom City in Tulalip.   ADVERTISEMENT   Local fireworks rules Where and when fireworks are permitted in Snohomish and Island counties Unincorporated Snohomish County: 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 4 Arlington and Monroe: 9 a.m. to midnight July 4 Bothell and Lynnwood: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 Brier: 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 4 Darrington: 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 4 Edmonds, Everett, Gold Bar, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo and Woodway: banned Granite Falls: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 Index: July 4 Island County and Lake Stevens: noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 to July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5 Marysville: until 11 p.m. July 4 Stanwood: noon to 11 p.m. June 28 to July 5 Sultan: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 Tulalip: Tulalip residents may set off fireworks at their homes. People who do not live in Tulalip may set off fireworks only in Boom City's detonation area. Boom City is open until midnight through July 4. Sources: Snohomish County Fire Marshal, State Fire Marshal Fireworks safety tips Have a bucket of water ready for emergencies and to douse used fireworks. Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks. Never let children handle or light fireworks, including sparklers. Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Make sure you have enough space away from potential hazards, including buildings, vehicles and flammable materials. Never light fireworks inside a house or structure, including a garage. Don't wear loose clothing that can catch on fire while handling fireworks. Never try to reignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Soak them in water, then throw them away. Drinking and fireworks don't mix. Source: Snohomish County Fire Marshal   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   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.

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