Remember safety and laws on Fourth of July

When celebrating this Fourth of July, remember that fireworks aren’t a free-for-all. Whether you live in the county or within town limits, each jurisdiction has its own set of rules.

When celebrating this Fourth of July, remember that fireworks aren’t a free-for-all. Whether you live in the county or within town limits, each jurisdiction has its own set of rules.

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown advises that prior to lighting fireworks, citizens determine if they are even allowed.

Island County follows fireworks guidelines set by Washington state law.

Only legal fireworks are allowed, including sparklers, cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, ground spinners, roman candles and smoke devices.

Illegal fireworks include missile-type rockets, sky rockets, fire crackers, salutes and chasers.

Per state law, Island County allows fireworks starting June 28.

Fireworks will be allowed Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

On Friday, July 4 they are allowed 9 a.m. to midnight.

Fireworks are only allowed to continue one day after Independence Day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 5.

Town of Coupeville has a much tighter window for fireworks regulations.

According to Coupeville Town Marshal Rick Norrie, fireworks within town limits are only allowed 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 4.

Brown also advises citizens to remember the simple rules of fireworks safety and regulations:

n Don’t shoot fireworks at others

n Don’t light fireworks on unstable or unlevel ground or objects

n Don’t lean over fireworks when lighting

n Don’t discharge firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky rockets and missiles outside of tribal land boundaries

n Don’t hold fireworks when discharging

n Don’t alter or take apart fireworks

“Please be respectful of those that are bothered by loud noise and/or are concerned about their pets being overly frightened when hearing the blast of fireworks discharging,” Brown said in a prepared statement. “It is my sincere hope that we can celebrate our national holiday and still be good neighbors within our Island community.”

 

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