Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks is as American as Apple Pie, but knowledge of the law is paramount to a safe display.
The dates and hours of firework use per Asotin City Ordinance is:
Approved consumer fireworks, as defined by RCW 70.77.136 , may be discharged within the City of Asotin on July 2 nd and 3 rd between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., on July 4th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight, July 5 th between the hours of 9:00a.m. and 9p.m. Consumer fireworks may not be discharged within the City of Asotin at any other time (City of Asotin Municipal Code 8.22.030).
The only legal fireworks are the “Safe and Sane” fireworks. It is important to know what a legal firework is because there are locations where illegal fireworks can be sold, which does not make it legal to set off. Firecrackers, Bottle Rockets, Sky Rockets, and Missiles are examples of those that can be purchased locally but are illegal to discharge in the city limits. Most of the following are legal, but we suggest you still check each one purchased as there are variations of each: Cylindrical and Cone Fountains, Aerial Spinners, Helicopters, Smoke Devices, Roman Candles, Parachutes, Wheels, Mine/Shells/Cakes, Ground Spinners, Dipped Stick, Sparklers, and Novelties. (Washington State Fire Marshall’s Office).
Safety is of the most importance as any legal firework can become dangerous to person and property. The safest is to attend the public display. If you do purchase your own, follow these simple tips:
- Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Have a charged water hose that can reach the furthest location from your display.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water to soak your spent fireworks into.
- Use a level hard surface away from flammable material such as trees and weeds.
- Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
- FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage. Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
The Asotin Police Department wishes everyone a Happy and Safe 4th of July!
