Fireworks Safety
EACH JULY 4TH, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.
The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks display and leave the lighting to the professionals. If you choose to use fireworks, East Pierce Fire & Rescue offers a few tips to keep you and your family safe as you celebrate Independence Day.
Celebrate Safely - It Begins With You
Adult supervision around fireworks is important. Only adults should light fireworks and handle matches and lighters. Set family boundaries and talk with children about celebrating safely. Use care in selecting the area for discharge of fireworks, and the type of fireworks appropriate for that area. Weather conditions make grasses and vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire.
BE PREPARED... before you light fireworks
- Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets.
- Store fireworks out of children's reach.
- Keep pets safe indoors.
- Always keep water handy.
BE SAFE... when lighting fireworks
- Only adults should light fireworks.
- Only use outdoors.
- Do not throw fireworks or hold in your hand.
- Protect your eyes.
- Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
- Never relight a "dud".
BE RESPONSIBLE... after you finish
- Soak used fireworks in water.
- Be considerate - clean up used fireworks.
- Keep matches and lighter away from children.
What's Legal and Illegal?
- Novelties
- Multi-Aerials
- Smoke
- Ground Spinners
- Helicopter Parachutes
- Sparklers/Morning Glory
- Wheels
- Reloadable Mortars (1 3/4" or less)
- Cones & Fountains
- Roman Candles
- Firecrackers
- Bottle Rockets
- Missiles & Rockets
- M-80's or Larger
- Cherry Bombs
- Tennis Ball Bombs
- Pipe Bombs
- Special, tampered, altered, or home-made fireworks
Discharge Dates, Hours and Restrictions
Fireworks restrictions vary by municipality. Click on the following links to view fireworks restrictions in our local communities: City of Bonney Lake, City of Edgewood, City of Milton, City of Sumner, and Unincorporated Pierce County.
City of Bonney Lake
July 4: 9 a.m. - Midnight
City of Edgewood
July 4: 9 a.m. - Midnight
City of Milton
July 4: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Town of South Prairie
June 28: Noon - 11 p.m.
June 29 - July 3: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
July 4: 9 a.m. - Midnight
July 5: 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
City of Sumner
July 4: Noon - Midnight
Unincorporated Pierce County (within East Pierce Fire & Rescue jurisdiction)
July 1 - July 3: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
July 4: 10 a.m. - Midnight
July 5: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (ONLY when the 4th falls on a Sunday)
View a complete list of discharge restrictions and bans in Washington State and Pierce County.
Enforcement
Enforcement of illegal fireworks in Pierce County is performed by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
Enforcement of illegal fireworks within the city limits of Bonney Lake, Edgewood, Milton and Sumner is performed by their respective police departments and East Pierce Fire & Rescue.
Legal fireworks sales are enforced by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.
FIREWORKS COMPLAINTS?
Call the non-emergency line:
Call 911 for EMERGENCIES only.