Fireworks regulations vary around Columbia Basin
Regulations for the use of fireworks vary from city to city across the Columbia Basin. Those celebrating Independence Day should remember to have water or a fire extinguisher nearby when celebrating to ensure a safe holiday.
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MOSES LAKE — Fireworks are a big part of celebrating the nation’s birthday. However, different towns, and Grant County, have different rules for setting off fireworks.
The state of Washington allows fireworks for a few days around July 4. In Grant County, fireworks will be allowed through July 5 in unincorporated areas. Discharging fireworks is allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday of this week. They’re allowed from 9 a.m. to midnight July 4 itself.
There are some unincorporated areas in the county where fireworks are not allowed, including Sunland Estates and Crescent Bar near Quincy, the Gorge Amphitheater and its campground near Quincy, Marine View and Marine View Heights near the Potholes State Park. Fireworks are not allowed in Desert Aire, including the park. Previously fireworks were allowed in the park, but they will not be in 2024.
Fireworks are not allowed in the Moses Lake city limits.
Some fireworks are allowed within the Ephrata city limits, but not all kinds, and they’re allowed at different times depending on the day. Sparklers, ground spinners, torches and wheels, cylindrical and cone fountains are allowed, but aerial devices are not.
Fireworks are allowed in Ephrata from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1 through 3, and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 4.
The city of Quincy allows fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3 and 9 a.m. to midnight July 4. Othello also allows fireworks within the city limits, but the city has different rules for the days and hours they can be used. People can shoot off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1 through 3, and from 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.
Washington legislators have set some statewide limitations, and some towns follow the state guidelines. Royal City and Warden are among them.
The Desert Aire community has banned fireworks at their privately owned park this year, citing caution and concern over the potential for fires.
State regulations allow fireworks to be set off from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1 through 3, 9 a.m. to midnight July 4 and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5. They must be what state law calls “consumer” fireworks, which are limited to what’s sold in permitted fireworks stands.
Grant County Fire District 3 and the QPD published a list of guidelines for safe fireworks use.
Fireworks should be handled by responsible adults, and never by children. A responsible adult should be in charge of igniting them, and whoever is setting them off should wear safety glasses.
The best spot for a display is in an open area away from buildings or dry vegetation. People should have a water source nearby, and a fire extinguisher should be readily accessible. When the display is over the fireworks should be soaked in water, then dumped in a non-flammable container.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.