Purchase, use fireworks legally this season
Members of the Moses Lake Radio Control Modelers prepare the Discount Fireworks stand near Airway Drive Northeast last year. The state fire marshal is warning against the illegal online purchase of fireworks and urging residents to be cautious this year.
MOSES LAKE - In the run up to Independence Day, fire officials are reminding residents to stay legal in the purchase and use of fireworks.
Fireworks must be purchased from a licensed retail fireworks stand during the legal sales period authorized by each county or city, stated State Fire Marshal Charles Duffy. He added that orders for fireworks cannot legally be placed over the Internet or posted for sale on websites such as Craigslist.
In Grant County, fireworks become legal to sell, purchase, use and discharge from 12 p.m. June 28 to 11 p.m. July 5, according to the county fire marshal's office. Cities within the county regulate the sale and use of fireworks as well. In Ephrata, non-aerial fireworks are allowed within the city limits June 29 through July 4, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. An Ephrata Fire Department official said a good rule of thumb is, whatever people can legally buy in the city limits is typically legal to use in the city.
Similar rules apply in Quincy, where "safe and sane" fireworks are allowed to be bought and discharged.
But both the sale and use of fireworks is illegal within the city limits of Moses Lake and Othello, as well as on lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources, according to officials with these jurisdictions.
Certain explosives are illegal to possess anywhere in Washington, according to the Grant County Fire Marshal's website, including firecrackers or chasers; altered fireworks; cherry bombs; missiles and rockets; M-80s, M-100s and larger explosives; pipe bombs; bottle rockets; homemade devices; and tennis balls bombs.
"People using fireworks must remember there may be legal consequences to injuries or fires caused by the irresponsible use of fireworks," the website states. "Consequences range from being charged with malicious mischief, to assault or a gross misdemeanor for possession of legal explosive devices, such as fireworks that have been tampered with or altered."
A gross misdemeanor can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in prison.
To learn more about fireworks ordinances in your area, visit www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.