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A
message from Sheriff Mark Brown:
As we
near the 4th of July Celebration time period, I wanted to let
everyone know about the changes within Island County that affect times in which
Legally Approved Consumer Fireworks can be discharged (depending on where you
live).
Unincorporated
Island County Discharge Period:
July
3,
2017
(9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
July
4,
2017
(9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
July
5,
2017
(9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
City of
Langley Discharge Period:
July
4,
2017
(9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
Town of
Coupeville:
July
4,
2017
(9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
City of
Oak Harbor:
June
28
(12 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
June
29th to July 3rd (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
July
4,
2017
(9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
July5,
2017
(9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Each
year we receive numerous inquiries as to
whether or not certain types of fireworks are in fact “legal”. Here is
some information from the State Fire Marshal’s Office that may help answer
those questions:
Top 10 signs that your fireworks may be
illegal:
1.
They
were not purchased from a Washington State licensed fireworks stand
2.
They
were purchased through an online vendor, mail order, or a listing on OfferUp
3.
The
person selling you the fireworks tells you they were bought in another state
4.
They
are not packaged in brightly colored paper
5.
They
do not have any safety warnings or instructions on the packaging
6.
The
packaging does not indicate the country of manufacture
7.
It
resembles a roll of coins with a fuse coming out the side
8.
It
is wrapped with plain brown paper
9.
It
is solid red, silver or brown in color
10.
It
looks homemade:
·
Wrapped
in electrical tape
·
Fuse
isn’t taped down
To
ensure that you purchase legal consumer fireworks that are both safe and high
quality, you can visit one of the many state licensed fireworks
stands operating during the Fourth of July fireworks sales period. By law,
these stands may only sell approved and legal fireworks. Not only is discharge of
prohibited fireworks illegal; simple possession of prohibited fireworks is a
crime - misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor under RCW 70.77.485. depending on the
quantity and/or amount of pyrotechnics possessed.
Possession
of illegal explosive devices (IED), including altered legal fireworks is a
Felony. If
you know where these illegal explosives devices are being sold, manufactured,
or possessed; report it to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives or the local police department on a non-emergency phone number. Only
call 911 to report emergencies.
“Don’t
take any chances,” cautions State Fire Marshal Charles P. LeBlanc, “Stay away
from high-powered illegal explosive devices such as M80’s or homemade
devices. While the Fourth of July happens only once a year, these devices
can cause a life altering injury that can last you a lifetime.”
Always
remember to use the three Bs of fireworks safety:
- Be Prepared – Have water nearby and put pets indoors
- Be Safe – Only adults should light fireworks
- Be Responsible – Clean up fireworks debris
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