As a reminder, only common fireworks are legal within the North Bend city limits and may only be discharged between 9 a.m. and midnight on July 4.
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 28 or after 11 p.m. on July 4 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 4 each year, except where otherwise provided in this chapter.
Please visit the Municipal Code webpage at www.northbendwa.gov to learn about NBMC 8.20. The Fourth of July can be fun, 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 and 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 remove stray fireworks sparks.
- Know the emergency number to call for your area, 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.
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 manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Keep away from anything that can burn.
- Follow the directions on the label carefully.
- Be considerate of your neighbors, family pets, and your 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 City of North Bend]
