Fireworks rules for Columbia Basin
Candice Boutilier/Columbia Basin Herald<br> Fireworks are illegal in Moses Lake and Othello. They can be used in other areas in Adams and Grant County with regulations.
COLUMBIA BASIN — The various communities in Adams and Grant counties have different regulations regarding the use of fireworks.
The majority of the communities follow state laws concerning fireworks. The state allows for the use of fireworks between 9 a.m. to midnight in the areas where they are allowed by county or city governments. Illegal explosive devices include M-80’s and larger, altered fireworks and public display mortars.
Fireworks are banned in Moses Lake and Othello.
Moses Lake police will be issuing $410 infractions to people they witness violating the ban, Moses Lake police Chief Dean Mitchell said.
“It’s expensive if you’re caught,” he said. “We hope we don’t have to give any infractions. We’re going to take a proactive stance when it comes to enforcing that ordinance.”
Mitchell said he encourages people to attend the public firework display in McCosh Park instead.
Often people get confused about whether or not they are in the city limits when using fireworks. He advised people to check ahead of time to ensure they are not in the city limits.
City regulations:
• Coulee City — Residents are allowed to use fireworks at Coulee City Community Park.
• Ephrata — City allows ground fireworks. All aerial fireworks are prohibited.
• George — Fireworks are allowed on private property. They are prohibited from public property such as parks and roadways.
• Mattawa — Follows state regulations.
• Moses Lake — Fireworks have been banned in Moses Lake for three years.
• Othello — Fireworks are banned.
• Quincy — Follows state regulations but only allows use during specific times and dates.
• Royal City — Follows state regulations.
• Soap Lake — Follows state regulations.
• Warden —Follows state regulations.
• Wilson Creek — The city urges people to use the downtown baseball park for firework displays, otherwise there are no regulations except for state laws.
In Grant County and Adams County only state regulations apply.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Office offers safety tips:
• Have a bucket of water nearby
• Keep pets indoors to prevent them from running away
• Only adults should light fireworks
• Soak fireworks with water after use
• Dispose of fireworks after use