Firework rules and safety tips

Your Update on What's Happening at the King County Council  

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I want to wish everyone a happy Independence Day! I hope you have a fun and safe weekend with your loved ones as we celebrate America's 245th birthday.

Given the extremely dry conditions we’re seeing following this week’s heat wave, King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts is urging residents to avoid discharging fireworks this year in order to reduce fire risk across King County. Instead, I encourage you to consider attending a local firework show. I’ve included a list of Puget Sound area firework displays below!

Please also remember that most cities within District 9 have banned fireworks, with the exception of Black Diamond and Enumclaw. I include more information on firework laws below.

If you do plan on discharging fireworks, please use extreme caution:

• With the recent extremely hot and dry weather, it's important that you soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. Improperly discarded fireworks are known to start fires.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.

Keep in mind that a Stage 1 burn ban is still in effect for unincorporated King County.

Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations!

All my best,

Reagan Dunn Vice Chair Metropolitan King County Council

Firework Rules and Safety Tips

Firework regulations vary city by city, but please note that all cities within District 9 except the cities of Black Diamond and Enumclaw have laws banning the discharge of fireworks within city limits. Black Diamond and Enumclaw have their own local firework restrictions in place. 

For those who live in unincorporated areas, fireworks are legal but the following restrictions apply:

• Use only approved, legal fireworks from reliable Washington State and King County Fire Marshal licensed retailers.
• If it has a stick or fins and it goes up, or if it blows up, it is illegal in Washington State.
• You must be at least 16-years-old with picture identification to purchase fireworks.

• Fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
• Fireworks sales: legally start noon June 28 until 11 p.m.; then, daily 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. through July 4.
• No sales after July 4.

Please keep in mind the following safety tips: 

• Always have a responsible adult light all fireworks.
• Have a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy.
• Use fireworks under outdoor conditions only, away from buildings, houses with wood shingles, trees, and dry fields.
• Avoid aerial fireworks.
• Light one item at a time, move away quickly, and keep a safe distance.
• Dispose of used fireworks by first soaking them in water.
• Ensure the safety of pets. Use eye protection. Clean up all debris.
• If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait a minimum of five minutes before approaching the device.

View the full list of County rules and safety tips here.

KCSO Emphasis Patrols on Duty this Weekend

I worked with the King County Sheriff’s Office to make sure that there are extra patrols on duty this weekend to enforce firework laws in unincorporated communities. Be aware that the Sheriff's Office will be on the lookout for any firework violations! 

To report illegal fireworks usage or potential danger, residents can contact the 24-hour non-emergency line from the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311. If you need immediate help from the police, medics or fire department, call 9-1-1.

Public Firework Displays in King County

Bellevue: Bellevue 4^th of July Fireworks

Auburn: Live Racing and Fireworks Spectacular at the Emerald Downs

For more public firework displays across the Puget Sound region, see this Seattle Times article.

In the News

• Voice of the Valley: Reagan Dunn Honors Tahoma Cross Country Teams for Stunning Double Victory

• Release: Dunn Seeks to Create Homeless Outreach Teams for Unincorporated King County