Fireworks Stands Are Open In Pierce County, But Officials Urge Caution

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Fireworks stands officially opened Tuesday in Pierce County, and while it is understandable if residents will want to set off some explosives to celebrate Independence Day, county officials are reminding everyone to be careful and to only set off fireworks if your jurisdiction allows it.

For example, in unincorporated Pierce County, fireworks can be set off:

• July 1-3, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• July 4, between 10 a.m. and midnight.
• July 5, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

But some Pierce County cities have more strict restrictions on the use of fireworks. Fireworks are totally banned in some cities like Tacoma, Steilacoom, and at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Other cities, like Bonney Lake and Sumner, restrict firework use to just the 4th of July, and even more have laws restricting fireworks to just a few days around the holiday. If you're unsure what's allowed in your area, the county recommends contacting your city or town's main office.

The county, meanwhile, restricts what kinds of fireworks are legal for everyday consumers.

The following fireworks are legal to possess between June 28th and July 5th:

• Novelties
• Multi-Aerials
• Smoke
• Ground Spinners
• Helicopter Parachutes
• Sparklers/Morning Glory
• Wheels
• Reloadable Mortars (1 3/4" or less)
• Cones & Fountains
• Roman Candles

Firecrackers, bottle rockets, and missiles are illegal to possess outside Tribal Lands, and M-80's, cherry bombs, tennis ball bombs and pipe bombs are illegal to possess anywhere in Pierce County.

Thanks to a wetter-than-usual spring, the current fire danger is not as severe as it was last summer, but Pierce County officials want to remind everyone to be careful if you're setting off fireworks this holiday weekend. Here are a few firework safety tips, courtesy of Pierce County Emergency Management:

Be prepared before you light fireworks:

• Only use fireworks purchased from a state licensed fireworks stand - illegal fireworks are subject to immediate confiscation and possible criminal charges
• Store fireworks out of children’s reach
• Keep pets safe indoors
• Always keep water handy

Be safe when lighting fireworks:

• Only adults should light fireworks
• Only use fireworks outdoors
• Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand
• Protect your eyes
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly - never relight a "dud"

Be responsible after you're done:

• Soak used fireworks in water
• Be considerate and clean up used fireworks
• Remember firework debris belong in the trash, NOT the recycle bin
• Keep matches and lighters aware from children

>> Learn more about fireworks safety from Pierce County Emergency Management.