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Bans in effect across Washington state for fireworks

FORKS, Wash. — Cities across Washington state are putting bans into place banning fireworks in historic hot and dry weather conditions.

For a list of fireworks ordinances by county and city, click here.


Wenatchee, Chelan County ban all fireworks for holiday

In Wenatchee, the devastating Sleepy Hollow Fire that destroyed 29 homes and a building is now 83 percent contained. Wenatchee and Chelan County banned all fireworks for holiday.

The mayor of Wenatchee declared a state of emergency and said private use of fireworks is banned in the city through the Fourth of July holiday.


Bainbridge Island fire officials impose ban on consumer fireworks

Due to historic hot, dry weather conditions and low fuel moistures, fire officials are imposing a ban on all consumer fireworks on Bainbridge Island. These extreme fire conditions have not been seen in the area for decades. The Fire Department has already responded to a number of brush fires in the last several days.

The Bainbridge Island Municipal Code Section 8.28.100 provides fire officials the ability to prohibit the discharge of fireworks during periods of extreme fire danger. The ban is in effective immediately.

"The importance of public safety cannot be over emphasized. The banning of consumer fireworks discharge on Bainbridge Island is a proactive step in reducing fire incidents in our community." said Fire Chief Hank Teran.

At this time the ban does not include the public fireworks display in Eagle Harbor. Fire officials encourage all residents and visitors to Bainbridge Island to enjoy the public fireworks show.


Forks officials cancel fireworks display, vendor closes shop

Forks officials are cancelling their holiday fireworks display because of the unusually dry weather conditions.

The Peninsula Daily News reports the public fireworks display will be rescheduled.

The chairman of the city's 4th of July Committee says he's been planning the public fireworks program for 15 years and he thinks cancelling this year's display is the best decision he has ever made.

Mark Soderlind says no one should be shooting off fireworks this year.

A youth organization that sells fireworks as a fundraiser decided to close their shop after the city decided to cancel its display.

>> For a list of fireworks ordinances by county and city, click here

A local fire crew demonstrated in a new video just how easy a tiny firework can set dry grass ablaze.

The Key Peninsula Fire Department (KPFD) lit a small firework, and within 10 seconds the fire spread to an entire patch of grass.


Bellingham Burn Ban

Restrictions are placed on all wood and charcoal fires within city limits, effective 8:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2.

Barbeques are allowed, but care should be used in the disposal of any charcoal or ashes, which should be discarded in a metal container and doused with water.

The Haggen Family Fourth of July Festival's public firework display is recommended to residents as a safe and fun way to celebrate the holiday.


Point Defiance Park grilling ban

Wildfire danger hasw prompted Point Defiance Park officials to immediately impose a ban on grilling, barbecues and other outdoor flames within the park.

Anyone who witnesses smoking, fireworks or similar activity is asked to report it to the Tacoma Police Department. The emergency number is 911. The non-emergency number is (253) 798-4721.

Get burn ban updates and answers to frequently asked questions at MetroParksTacoma.org/BurnBan.


Marysville Fire Safety

Marysville Fire Marshal Tom Maloney has a simple message for city residents this year: Don't use fireworks. "No one wants that to happen in our city. Please think 'safety first' this year and find a way to celebrate the Fourth without fireworks."

For more information about the elevated fire risk in the City of Marysville, or information about legal or illegal fireworks, please contact Fire Marshal Tom Maloney at 360-363-8500 or visit www.marysvillefiredistrict.org.

Chelan / Kittitas County campfire ban

Beginning on July 2, no campfires will be allowed in the Cle Elum, Wenatchee River, Entiat, and Chelan ranger districts.

Anyone who starts a wildfire can be held liable for suppression costs. Those costs can be substantial, often running into hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

National forest visitors recreating in the Naches Ranger District may continue to have campfires only in federally designated wilderness areas.  For those recreating on National Forest lands in Okanogan County, campfire are allowed only in designated campgrounds, wilderness areas and specially designated recreation residence or special use sites.

Check with the local ranger district where you will be camping to learn where campfires are allowed.     


Kitsap County Fireworks Restrictions

Only legal consumer fireworks may be used in unicorporated areas of Kitsap County during the alotted time period of Saturday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

No other dates for the discharge of fireworks are authorized. A violation will incur a Notice of Infraction fine of $250.

Sky lanterns are also prohibited. 

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