Know the local law before setting off fireworks

MOSES LAKE — The calendar is counting down to Independence Day, and fireworks stands are offering combustible fun all over the Basin. Before you start lighting fuses, however, make sure you know the local laws. 

Washington state law allows fireworks sales and use from noon to 11 p.m. June 28 and then from 9 a.m. to midnight June 29-July 3. On the Fourth itself, fireworks can be set off from 9 a.m. to midnight, and then July 5 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

But that doesn’t mean you can buy just any fireworks. Those firecrackers and bottle rockets you picked up out of state? Those are illegal. Fountains, whistlers, Roman candles, sparklers and wheels – basically, things that make smoke and pretty sparks – are designated Class C or common fireworks and can be set off legally in Washington. Things that explode – firecrackers, bottle rockets, M-80s and skyrockets – are illegal and legitimate fireworks stands don’t offer those. It’s legal to buy them on an Indian reservation, but as soon as you step off the reservation, they’re illegal to possess or transport, let alone set off.  

The unincorporated parts of Grant and Adams counties follow Washington law, except that fireworks are completely prohibited in Marine View, Marine View Heights, Crescent Bar, the Gorge Amphitheatre and campground and Desert Aire, except Desert Aire Park. A county board of commissioners can declare a fireworks ban if conditions require, but so far neither has this year. 

Many of the cities and towns in the Basin have their own regulations when it comes to fireworks.  

Coulee City: Fireworks are prohibited except at the designated jetty area at the park. Violating that can land the user with a fine of no less than $1,000. 

Ephrata: All aerial fireworks are prohibited, and violation carries a $1,251 fine. Sparklers, morning glory, wheels, smoke bombs, ground spinners, cones and fountains are allowed. 

George: Fireworks are legal except in the town park and anywhere that has signs indicating that fireworks are prohibited.  

Lind: State law applies. 

Mattawa: State law applies, except that the hours when fireworks may be set off are a little tighter: noon-11 p.m. June 28, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. June 29-July 4 and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 5. 

Moses Lake: All fireworks are prohibited within city limits. 

Othello: Fireworks may only be set off between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. July 1-3 and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 4. 

Quincy: Fireworks are permitted 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 3 and 9 a.m.-midnight July 4. 

Ritzville: State law applies. 

Royal City: State law applies. 

Soap Lake: Fireworks are prohibited in city limits. 

Warden: State law applies. 

If you’re going to set off fireworks, do it safely. It’s no secret that the Basin gets pretty dry in the summer, and fires can break out from the smallest spark. Handling fireworks incorrectly can also cause serious injuries, especially to children and pets. The Washington State Patrol recommends people: 

• Only use legal fireworks. 

• Have a bucket or hose nearby. 

• Supervise children around fireworks. 

• Get rid of defective fireworks properly. 

• If you have a defective firework, soak in water overnight, drain off water, tie it up in a garbage bag and throw it in the trash. 

• Do not consume alcohol or drugs while using fireworks. 

• Safely dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water after use. 

• Keep fireworks and sparklers away from your body. Sparklers can reach up to the temperature of 2,000 degrees. 

Pet owners should be prepared for fireworks season. Dogs, cats and horses can get panicky in the face of explosions and flashing lights. The American Veterinary Medical Association has these tips: 

• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there's a great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away. 

• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks. 

• Keep horses and livestock in safe fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible. 

• If you're hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant. 

• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks. 

• Keep sparklers, glow sticks and fireworks away from curious pets.