With Independence Day right around the corner, Bonney Lake Police are reminding citizens to be careful not to run afoul of the city’s fireworks laws.

It is unlawful for a person to ignite, discharge, use or explode any consumer fireworks except between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 3 and on July 5 or from 9 a.m. and midnight on July 4.

Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks, as permitted by state law, may be ignited for personal display. Also, it is unlawful for any person to discharge fireworks on the property of another without permission of the owner of such property.

It is unlawful for any person to discharge fireworks in a public park unless a written permit has been obtained from the city. It is unlawful for any person to discharge fireworks on city property that is not a park without the express written permission of the city.

Any person violating any provision of the City fireworks code is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term fixed by the court of not more than 90 days, or by a fine in an amount fixed by the court of not more than $1,000, or by both such imprisonment and fine.

The Bonney Lake Police Department will be increasing their fireworks enforcement this year for those subjects found violating this ordinance.   More information on the City of Bonney Lake Fireworks Ordinance can be obtained in the Bonney Lake Municipal Code (Chapter 5.14) located on the City of Bonney Lake website.

For more information on fireworks that are legal in Washington state, visit www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm