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closeSafe and sane
Warning: illegal fireworks: Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Missile type rockets with fins, m-80s, M-100s, Pipe bombs, Cherry bombs, tennis balls, homemade fireworks
Joan Cronk / for The Herald
Did you know that you could buy all the fireworks one would need to legally celebrate the Fourth of July at safe and sane stands? Those are the ones that are usually located in the parking lots of local grocery stores, and if you buy from them, you are adhering to the letter of the law and supporting local non-profit organizations.
The only fireworks not available at safe and sane stands are illegal bottle rockets and firecrackers, according to Karen Gower, Sales Associate with TNT Fireworks. The safe and sane stands are open from June 29 through July 4 and they all sell state approved fireworks.
Even though the state allows some areas to discharge fireworks from June 28 through July 4, in the city of Puyallup, safe and sane fireworks can be discharged only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4, said Guy Overby, Deputy Fire Marshall.
“We issue citations for anyone in violation,” he said, adding that a criminal citation can mean a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
Overby said people don’t realize that if you walk onto a Reservation to buy fireworks, as soon as you walk off the Reservation property with illegal fireworks, you are in violation and can be fined.
Overby said that there will be patrols throughout Puyallup starting June 28 and running through July 4.
“We’ll be working actively and responding to calls,” he said.
Overby said anyone witnessing people using fireworks outside of the designated July 4 time frame, should call 911 immediately.
The Washington State Patrol Media Advisory Web site said last year there were 1,059 fireworks-related incidents in Washington that resulted in more than $21.5 million in property loss. Their Web site encourages folks to become familiar with the rules in their area and stick to them. M-80s, M-100 or M-1000 are not fireworks and are considered illegal explosive devices.
The state’s Celebrate Safety Web site is www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks.
Sgt. Freddy Williams, media relations for the Washington State Patrol, said troopers will be out in force with a greater DUI emphasis.
“We target a specific area and usually the designation of that area would come from data gathered from collisions and DUI arrests,” he said.“Traditionally it is a time where there is a lot more travel and so a lot more troopers will be out working the roads.”
Tim Pierce, acting deputy chief of operations with Puyallup Fire and Rescue, said the fire prevention officials will start doing fireworks stand inspections when the stands open for business.
“On the days prior to the Fourth, we will have our prevention personnel doing patrols for fire works complaints,” he said, adding that they work in conjunction with the Puyallup Police Department.