Independence Day Fireworks Restrictions for North Bend & Snoqualmie

As a reminder, only common fireworks are legal within the North Bend and Snoqualmie city limits and may only be discharged between 9 a.m. and midnight on July 4^th.

North Bend Municipal Code (NBMC) States in Part:

8.20.040 RETAIL SALE AND DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS.

A. Only common fireworks are legal for sale to the public.

B. It is unlawful to sell fireworks to any persons under the age of 16 years. The seller shall require proof of age by means of display of a Washington State driver’s license or photo identification card issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing. No other forms of identification shall be accepted.

C. The sale of any fireworks prior to noon on June 28th or after 11 p.m. on July 4th of each year is prohibited, except where otherwise provided in this chapter.

D. The possession, use or discharge of any fireworks are prohibited at all times, except between 9 a.m. and midnight on July 4th each year, except where otherwise provided in this chapter.

Fireworks Laws in Snoqualmie

Hours for discharge of legal fireworks: July 4, 9 a.m. to midnight.
No aerial devices are allowed in Snoqualmie (see list below).
No fireworks may be possessed or discharged in any public park.
By state law, fireworks sales are limited to people age 16 and older.

All fireworks retail stands in Snoqualmie sell only fireworks that are legal in Snoqualmie. Some fireworks sold at state-approved stands and tribal reservations are illegal in Snoqualmie city limits, including possession and discharge.

Illegal Fireworks

Aerial devices including bottle rockets and missiles
Firecrackers
Explosive devices

More information is posted on the City of Snoqualmie website. Questions may be directed to Fire Chief Mark Correira at firechief@snoqualmiewa.gov or 425-888-1551.

Public Fireworks Display at Snoqualmie Community Park

Celebrate Independence Day locally and safely with the annual Red, White & Boom celebration featuring activities and fireworks on July 4 at Snoqualmie Community Park, 35016 SE Ridge Street (please no dogs). The Snoqualmie Valley Hospital will provide a First Aid Station.

The Fourth of July can be a fun time filled with great memories and family gatherings. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, Eastside Fire & Rescue offers the following safety tips:

Before you light fireworks — be prepared:

Purchase only legal fireworks, available at licensed stands.
Talk with family members and guests about laws in your area.
Place pets indoors; they may become frightened.
Have a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks.
Keep a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks from fireworks.
Know the emergency number to call for your area, your home address/location, and basic first aid.
Teach your children to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.

Sky Lanterns are banned in Washington State.

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind residents that not all fireworks are legal for use within Washington State.

State licensed retail fireworks stands must be permitted by the local city or county jurisdiction where they are being sold. Items such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, skyrockets, and missiles are illegal to sell, possess, and/or discharge within the state. However, these items are federally legal and are available for sale or discharge on some designated tribal lands.

State and federal laws prohibit items such as M-80s, M-100s, altered fireworks, and homemade devices, as these devices are high-powered and can cause devastating injuries.

Never purchase fireworks when:

They are not being sold at a licensed and permitted stand.
The fireworks are missing safety warnings, instructions, or a description of the effects.
The item appears to be wrapped in solid color paper with no markings.
It looks homemade, is wrapped in electrical tape, or the contents are exposed.
It appears to have an abnormal fuse.

If you come across a device you suspect may be illegal or unsafe, contact the local law enforcement agency in your area or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

It is your responsibility to know the fireworks laws in the area you intend to purchase and discharge. Always contact local authorities to determine what is legal in your area.

When lighting fireworks — be safe:

Use only outdoors on a level, flat, hard surface.
Only adults should light fireworks.
Use eye protection; wear safety goggles.
Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
Do not lean over fireworks when lighting.
Do not relight fireworks.
Keep spectators at a safe distance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep away from anything that can burn.
Follow the directions on the label carefully.
Be considerate of your neighbors, family pets, and environment.
Obey the time restrictions for discharge.

Be Responsible – after the fireworks are done:

Clean up all debris when finished.
Duds can be dangerous. If a fireworks item does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least fifteen minutes, approach it carefully, and place it in a bucket of water.
Make sure unused fireworks, matches, and lighters are out of sight and reach of children.
Before throwing away any used fireworks, make sure they are cold. Soaking in a bucket of water for at least 10 minutes before placing the fireworks in a plastic garbage bag will ensure they won’t catch anything on fire. Do not soak unused fireworks in water.

Even legal fireworks can be dangerous. Alarming statistics show children between the ages of 6 to 11 years old account for the highest percentage of injuries each year. Something as simple as a fireworks sparkler burns at a temperature of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. All too often, “Safe and Legal” fireworks end up in the hands of young children who may be unsupervised.

Eastside Fire & Rescue and fire departments throughout the State encourage you to take a few precautions during this Fourth of July. The safest way to celebrate this year is to attend a professional fireworks display in your area.

Any incident that has resulted in a fire, or an injury requiring emergency response, should be reported by calling 911.

[Information provided by the Cities of North Bend, Snoqualmie and the Washington State Fire Marshall’s Office]