Fireworks allowed at certain times in Quincy, Ephrata

EPHRATA — John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, wrote to his wife, Abigail, that the anniversary of the signing should and would be celebrated with fireworks. Adams was right about the fireworks, but he thought the nation’s birthday would be celebrated on July 2.

Independence Day — July 4 — is celebrated with fireworks displays, including huge shows in the sky put on by professionals and people setting off smaller fireworks at ground level. The fireworks sold to the public are called “common fireworks” in municipal regulations.

There are regulations governing where and how those fireworks should be used, differing from city to city. Some cities allow residents to set off fireworks within the city limits, Quincy and Ephrata among them.

Fireworks are allowed in Ephrata from June 28 to July 4 during certain hours. Fireworks are allowed from noon to 11 p.m. on June 28; from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; and from 9 a.m. July 4 to 12:30 a.m. July 5. They aren’t allowed in city parks, streets or sidewalks, or within 100 feet of a field of dry grass.

Ephrata Police Chief Erik Koch said people who shoot off fireworks should take precautions, like having a source of water, in case a fire starts. If fireworks start a fire, the person who set them off would be responsible for the cost of putting out the fire. Koch said some fireworks, like aerials and mortars, are prohibited within the city limits.

Quincy allows fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and from 9 a.m. to midnight July 4. Stephanie Boorman, executive assistant for the city of Quincy, said the city doesn’t have a designated zone for fireworks. People are not allowed to shoot off fireworks in city parks, Boorman said.

The Columbia Basin Herald will share information about fireworks in other communities in upcoming editions.