On Independence Day, many people love the smell of sulfur, charcoal and gunpowder over hot dogs and potato salad.
Although it has been a long-held tradition to discharge fireworks on July 4, there are specific rules when discharging fireworks. In Enumclaw, Buckley and Black Diamond, fireworks are only permissible on Independence Day, and there are some rules regarding what type and when people can discharge fireworks.
WHEN IS DISCHARGING FIREWORKS PERMISSIBLE?
In Enumclaw, the only time people may discharge fireworks is between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4.
In both Buckley and Black Diamond, the only time people may discharge Independence Day fireworks is between 9 a.m. and 12 a.m. (midnight) on July 4.
Buckley also allows discharging of fireworks between Dec. 31 and Jan 1., 9 a.m. through 12:30 a.m.
In all unincorporated King County, discharging fireworks is illegal. The King County Fire Chiefs Association recommends these activities instead.
• Light up the night with glowsticks or glow-in-the-dark bubbles
• Have an outdoor movie night
• Bake a cake for America’s birthday
• Make a statement with noise makers
• Have fun with red, white and blue with Silly String
• Decorate your porch or yard
• Find fun craft and coloring activities for kids
• Dress up your pets!
“COMMON” FIREWORKS ONLY
According to the Enumclaw Fire Department, fireworks bought within the city are legal and safe, but fireworks bought on one of the nearby Native American reservations may only be discharged there.
Enumclaw ordinance also states that only “common fireworks” may be discharged. King County has no classification for “common fireworks,” but they do for “consumer” fireworks. “Consumer” fireworks are classified as ground fireworks with 50 mg or less of explosive materials and air fireworks with 150 mg or less of ground materials.
In Buckley, permissible fireworks are also what King County classifies as “consumer fireworks,” also including the definition set in WAC 212-17-035.
In Black Diamond, their code also includes what they call “common” fireworks and call out specific examples like ground and hand-held sparkling devices, including items commonly known as dipped sticks, sparklers, cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers, smoke devices, fireworks commonly known as helicopters, aerials, spinners, Roman candles, mines, shells and Class C explosives classified on January 1, 1984, as common fireworks by the United States Department of Transportation.
The city’s ordinance declares that consumer fireworks do not include fireworks commonly known as firecrackers, salutes, chasers, skyrockets and missile-type rockets.
