A MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF MARK BROWN, Jul 2, 2018
As we near the 4th of July Celebration time period, I wanted to remind everyone of the regulations within Island County that affect times in which Legally Approved Consumer Fireworks can be discharged (depending on where you live).
UNINCORPORATED ISLAND COUNTY DISCHARGE PERIOD:
July 3, 2018 (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
July 4, 2018 (9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
July 5, 2018 (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
CITY OF LANGLEY DISCHARGE PERIOD:
July 4, 2018 (9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
TOWN OF COUPEVILLE DISCHARGE PERIOD:
July 4, 2018 (9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
CITY OF OAK HARBOR DISCHARGE PERIOD:
June 28 (12 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
June 29th to July 3rd (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
July 4, 2018 (9 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight)
July 5, 2018 (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Each year we receive numerous inquiries as to whether or not certain types of fireworks are in fact “legal”. Here is some information from the State Fire Marshal’s Office that may help answer those questions:
TOP 10 SIGNS THAT YOUR FIREWORKS MAY BE ILLEGAL:
- They were not purchased from a Washington State licensed fireworks stand
- They were purchased through an online vendor, mail order, or a listing on OfferUp
- The person selling you the fireworks tells you they were bought in another state
- They are not packaged in brightly colored paper
- They do not have any safety warnings or instructions on the packaging
- The packaging does not indicate the country of manufacture
- It resembles a roll of coins with a fuse coming out the side
- It is wrapped with plain brown paper
- It is solid red, silver or brown in color
- It looks homemade:
Wrapped in electrical tape
Fuse isn’t taped down
To ensure that you purchase legal consumer fireworks that are both safe and high quality, you can visit one of the many state licensed fireworks stands operating during the Fourth of July fireworks sales period. By law, these stands may only sell approved and legal fireworks. Not only is discharge of prohibited fireworks illegal; simple possession of prohibited fireworks is a crime – misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor under RCW 70.77.485. depending on the quantity and/or amount of pyrotechnics possessed.
Possession of illegal explosive devices (IED), including altered legal fireworks is a Felony. If you know where these illegal explosives devices are being sold, manufactured, or possessed; report it to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives or the local police department on a non-emergency phone number. Only call 911 to report emergencies.
“Don’t take any chances,” cautions the State Fire Marshal’s Office, “Stay away from high-powered illegal explosive devices such as M80’s or homemade devices. While the Fourth of July happens only once a year, these devices can cause a life altering injury that can last you a lifetime.”
Always remember to use the three Bs of fireworks safety:
- Be Prepared – Have water nearby and put pets indoors
- Be Safe – Only adults should light fireworks
- Be Responsible – Clean up fireworks debris
ISLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PO BOX 5000 COUPEVILLE, WA 98239-5000
(360) 678-4422 629-4523 321-5113
www.islandcountywa.gov/Sheriff