It will not be long before conditions in lower Kittitas County will necessitate the implementation of a burn ban, but not likely by July 4th.
The public is encouraged to view a public fireworks display rather than discharge their own. For those still wishing to discharge fireworks in unincorporated Kittitas County, here is some information:
Kittitas County Code Chapter 9.30:
Type of fireworks allowed without permit.
Only Class C (Common Fireworks USDOT 0336 1.4G) will be allowed to be sold, offered for sale, used, discharged, or possessed in Kittitas County, without additional permits and licenses as required by state law. All other types of fireworks, special, agricultural, wildlife, and public display will require additional permits from local officials. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
Seizure of fireworks.
Any fireworks which are illegally sold, offered for sale, used, discharged, possessed or transported in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to seizure by the director of public works, through the fire marshal, sheriff’s department or code enforcement, or their deputies. Any fireworks seized under this section may be disposed of by the director of public works, through the fire marshal, by summary destruction at any time subsequent to 30 days from such seizure or 10 days from the final termination of proceedings under the provisions of RCW 70.77.440, whichever is later. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
Penalty.
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 and by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 99-09, 1999; Ord. 95-6, 1995).
Fireworks safety information from the National Safety Council:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
