Firework laws vary in Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE - While fireworks are allowed in unincorporated areas of Grant and Adams counties, laws vary in each city, from complete bans to restrictions.

Both counties follow state law for the use of fireworks, which allows for fireworks to be set off from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 to July 3 and July 5, and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4th. The list of illegal explosive devices include fire crackers, bottle rockets, M-80s or larger and any homemade or altered fireworks.

The sale and discharge of all fireworks are banned in both Othello and Moses Lake. Moses Lake Police Capt. Dave Sands said officers will be issuing citations wherever possible. The fine for discharging fireworks in the Moses Lake city limits is $200. Sands said fireworks in the city continue to be a problem despite the hefty penalty.

The City of Ephrata and George allows for ground fireworks but all aerial fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks are only allowed until 11 p.m. and cannot be discharged July 5. The City of Soap Lake and Warden do not have any restrictions on fireworks and follows state law.

For more information on city or county firework laws, contact local fire or police departments.

According to the state Fire Marshal's Office, three people in Grant County and one in Adams County were injured in firework related incidents last year. The Fire Marshal's Office encourages those who are lighting off fireworks to have a bucket of water nearby, keep pets indoors, only have adults lighting fireworks, and soak fireworks in water after use.