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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
June 27, 2006
Contact: David Lynam
Phone: (360) 337-4442
No. 06-49
Kitsap County Fire Marshal Announces
Fourth of July Firework Sales and Discharge Periods
PORT
ORCHARD, WA—The
2006 Fourth of July firework sales period begins tomorrow at noon in
unincorporated Kitsap County. Fireworks may be sold to persons over 16 years
old beginning at noon on June 28 until 9:00 p.m. on July 5. Firework sales
are prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., except on the Fourth of
July, when fireworks may be sold until midnight.
Washington State legal
fireworks may be discharged beginning at noon on June 28 until 11:00 p.m.
every evening through July 5. On July 4, fireworks may be discharged until
midnight. These regulations apply to unincorporated Kitsap County only.
Sale and discharge periods may be different within the boundaries of the
cities of Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo and Port Orchard. Contact
your local fire districts in each of these cities for more detailed sales
and discharge information.
For the safest viewing
experience, county fire services recommends you enjoy a professional
firework display at one of our local community events open to the public,
including Liberty Bay in Poulsbo on July 3 at dusk, Port of Kingston in
Kingston on July 4 at dusk, Sinclair Inlet in Port Orchard on July 4 at
10:30 p.m. and after the baseball game and concert at the Kitsap County
Fairgrounds on July 4.
David Lynam, Kitsap
County Fire Marshal, recommends you remember to “Celebrate Safely—It’s
Your Responsibility.” Lynam also offers these safety tips:
-
Be Prepared:
Discharge
fireworks only in safe areas away from people, pets and other animals or
combustible materials. Select fireworks appropriate for the safe
discharge area. Weather conditions make grass, vegetation and
even rooftops very vulnerable to fire. Set family boundaries and use
fireworks only under direct adult supervision. Only adults should light
fireworks and handle matches, punks or lighters.
-
Be Responsible:
Only use
Washington State legal fireworks purchased from licensed, permitted
firework outlets. Bottle rockets, skyrockets and firecrackers are
illegal to possess or discharge. Use fireworks only during legal
discharge periods. Soak used fireworks in water once fired.
Clean up and properly dispose of all firework debris. Be a
good neighbor.
-
Be Safe:
Store fireworks in a
secure area out of the reach of children. Do not throw fireworks
or hold them in your hands once lit. Protect your eyes from
sparks and burning debris. Light only one firework at a time and
immediately move away to a safe location. Never attempt to modify,
take apart or manufacture any type of firework material. Never
try to relight a dud. If a firework doesn’t light right away, give it
some time as ignition is often delayed. Soak duds or other misfires in a
bucket of water before disposing.
According to Sheriff
Steve Boyer, consumer use of fireworks does have an impact on our county’s
law enforcement and emergency responders.
"If everyone takes the
time to be prepared, be responsible and be safe, Fourth of July will be a
much more enjoyable experience for you and your families," said Sheriff
Boyer. "I encourage all of you to be courteous to your neighbors and think
'safety' at all times."
In 2004, there were six
injuries and 87 fires attributable to fireworks, and the county’s law
enforcement agencies received 817 firework-related complaints between June
25 and July 7.
Kitsap County
follows state regulations by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, a bureau
of the Washington State Patrol.
Related: Kitsap County Health
District: "Parent Awareness Can Prevent Fireworks Injuries" |
