Contact:
Jacob Lambert
Communications Specialist
Jacob.Lambert@snoco.org
425-262-2059
Snohomish County Fire Marshal Calls for Extra Caution with Fireworks This Year
EVERETT, Wash., June 30, 2020 – The Snohomish County Fire Marshal is calling for increased public awareness and urging extra caution with firework use due to an anticipated increase in the discharge of fireworks this year combined with concerns about hospital capacities related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“The great care you should always exercise when handling fireworks is even more critical this year,” said Fire Marshal Michael McCrary, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services. “In the midst of COVID-19, avoiding any unnecessary demand for hospital beds is important for the health of everyone in the county.”
If you are getting together with others to watch or discharge fireworks, remember to practice social distancing and wear masks in line with COVID-19 guidelines, and always practice safe firework use. The attached flyer provides tips on using fireworks safely to prevent injury and fire, also available at https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/65174/Stay-Safe-and-Legal-this-4th-of-July-flyer-2019.
Explosive devices such as fire crackers, M-80s, and all homemade explosive devices are illegal. Discharging other, non-exploding fireworks is illegal in most of Snohomish County’s municipal areas, but remains legal on July 4th during certain hours in unincorporated Snohomish County in 2020. Consult the attachment for which fireworks are legal.
To view a map depicting the regulations throughout the county and hours of legal discharge, visit: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/65316/Fireworks-Discharge-Map-July-4th-2020
Tips on the safe use of fireworks
Be prepared…before you light fireworks:
Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets.
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.
Use outdoors only.
Do not throw fireworks or hold in your hand.
Protect your eyes.
Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
Never relight a “dud”
Be Responsible…after you finish:
Soak used fireworks in water
Be considerate – clean up used fireworks
Keep matches and lighters away from children
Be prepared. Only use legal firework available at licensed outlets.
Additional information:
Celebrate Safely-Washington State Legal Consumer Fireworks
Fireworks Safety-Stay Safe and Legal this 4th of July 2020