East King News

As  a reminder, only common fireworks are legal within the North Bend city  limits and may only be discharged between 9 a.m. and midnight on July 4th.

North Bend Municipal Code (NBMC) states in part:

8.20.040 Retail sale and discharge of fireworks.

A. Only common fireworks are legal for sale to the public.

B. It  is unlawful to sell fireworks to any persons under the age of 16 years.  The seller shall require proof of age by means of display of a  Washington State driver’s license or photo identification card issued by  the Washington State Department of Licensing. No other forms of  identification shall be accepted.

C. The sale of any fireworks  prior to noon on June 28th or after 11 p.m. on July 4th of each year is  prohibited, except where otherwise provided in this chapter.

D.  The possession, use or discharge of any fireworks are prohibited at all  times, except between 9 a.m. and midnight on July 4th each year, except  where otherwise pro­vided in this chapter. 

The Fourth of July can  be a fun time filled with great memories and family gatherings. But  before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks  safety. To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, Eastside Fire  & Rescue offers the following safety tips:

Before you light fireworks — be prepared:

• Purchase only legal fireworks, available at licensed stands. 
• Talk with family members and guests about laws in your area. 
• Place pets indoors; they may become frightened. 
• Have a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks.  
• Keep a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks from fireworks. 
• Know the emergency number to call for your area, your home address/location, and basic first aid. 
• Teach your children to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch on fire. 

Sky Lanterns are banned in Washington State. 

When lighting fireworks — be safe:

• Use only outdoors on a level, flat, hard surface. 
• Only adults should light fireworks. 
• Use eye protection; wear safety goggles. 
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly. 
• Do not lean over fireworks when lighting.
• Do not relight fireworks.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
• Keep away from anything that can burn.
• Follow the directions on the label carefully.
• Be considerate of your neighbors, family pets, and your environment.
• Obey the time restrictions for discharge.   

Be Responsible – after the fireworks are done:

• Clean up all debris when finished. 
• Duds  can be dangerous. If a fireworks item does not light or fire, an adult  should wait at least fifteen minutes, approach it carefully, and place  it in a bucket of water. 
• Make sure unused fireworks, matches, and lighters are out of sight and reach of children. 
• Before  throwing away any used fireworks, make sure they are cold. Soaking in a  bucket of water for at least 10 minutes before placing the fireworks in  a plastic garbage bag will ensure they won’t catch anything on fire. Do  not soak unused fireworks in water. 

Even legal fireworks  can be dangerous. Alarming statistics show children between the ages of 6  to 11 years old account for the highest percentage of injuries each  year. Something as simple as a fireworks sparkler burns at a temperature  of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. All too often, “Safe and Legal” fireworks  end up in the hands of young children who may be unsupervised.   

Eastside  Fire & Rescue and fire departments throughout the State encourage  you to take a few precautions during this Fourth of July. The safest way  to celebrate this year is to attend a professional fireworks display in  your area.   

Any incident that has resulted in a fire, or an injury requiring emergency response, should be reported by calling 911.    

_{Source:https://northbendwa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1601}