Public Urged to Celebrate July 4th Safely

(Port Orchard) - The Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Kitsap County Fire Chief’s Association are serious about protecting children and adults alike from fireworks injuries. Both organizations urge people to leave fireworks to the professionals.

To emphasize the fire services’ commitment to a safely celebrated Independence Day, the Kitsap County Fire Chief’s Association will again donate $250 to each of the areas public firework displays. “Our goal is to ensure a safe and injury free holiday for our community,” states Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam. “By encouraging people to give-up consumer fireworks and enjoy public fireworks displays, we know we can significantly decrease the number of emergency room fireworks-related visits in our county,” Lynam says.

Those who decide to use consumer fireworks are reminded to purchase only legal fireworks from licensed fireworks stands. Consumer fireworks go on sale at locations in unincorporated Kitsap County, Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Poulsbo at noon on Sunday, June 28 until 10:00 p.m. on July 4. The sale of fireworks on Bainbridge Island is limited to July 1 – July 4.

Authorized firework discharge periods are the same as last year with discharge of consumer fireworks limited to July 4, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. in the unincorporated areas of Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island, the City of Bremerton, and the City of Port Orchard. Fireworks may not be discharged at any other time of the year.

The only exception to discharge times is within the City of Poulsbo limits where fireworks may be discharged beginning at noon on June 28 until 11:00 p.m. each night through July 4, and 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on July 5.

Certain fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles and skyrockets are strictly prohibited off of tribal lands. Having or setting-off these fireworks off tribal land is illegal and subject to civil and criminal penalties of up to $1,000.

The possession or discharge of M-80’s and larger, cherry bombs, tennis ball bombs, and legal fireworks that have been altered is a felony subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.

Responsibility for the legal and safe use of fireworks rest with the consumer at all times. The Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Kitsap County Fire Chief’s Association reminds you to use fireworks safely.

• Purchase only legal fireworks available at licensed stands.
• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Keep kids and other observers a safe distance from the discharge area.
• Keep a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks.
• Light fireworks out of doors only in a space clear of buildings, brush, trees or other flammable items.
• Soak all fireworks debris and used, unlit fireworks in a bucket of water. Duds can be dangerous! Never relight a firework. If an item does not light or go off, an adult should wait at least 15 minutes before approaching the dud then place it in a bucket of water.
• Keep unused fireworks, matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children.

For details about fireworks, firework permits or displays, contact the Kitsap County Fire Marshal’s Office at 360.337.7181.

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