The 4th of July & Fireworks
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Last Updated on Sunday, 01 April 2018 14:15
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2017
Gary Jenkins, Chief of Police
Pullman Police Department
(509) 334-0802
THE 4TH OF JULY AND FIREWORKS
PULLMAN – Saturday, July 1, 2017 marks the opening of several fireworks stands in Pullman. However, it is illegal to discharge fireworks until July 3. Fireworks may be discharged:
· Monday, July 3, from 9 am to 11 pm
· Tuesday, July 4, from 9 am to midnight
Any discharge of fireworks outside of these time periods is a violation of Pullman City Code 3.16.015(8) and could result in a civil penalty of $100. Also, individual fireworks are not allowed in Sunnyside Park during the community celebration, held on Tuesday, July 4.
All fireworks stands in the City of Pullman have been inspected and are only selling legal fireworks. For those who purchase fireworks elsewhere …. buyer beware! Two of the most popular illegal fireworks are firecrackers and bottle rockets. Possession of illegal fireworks is a criminal misdemeanor. Also, the purchase of fireworks over the Internet is illegal. In Washington State, fireworks must be purchased from a licensed retail fireworks stand during the legal sales period.
Supervision of children 14 years-old and younger is critical in reducing emergency responses to fireworks incidents. Talk to your kids about fireworks and safety. Set family boundaries; only adults should light fireworks. Fireworks should be stored in a secure location out of the reach and sight of curious children. Personal fireworks require personal responsibility. Last year, there were 327 fireworks-related injuries and/or fires reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office by fire departments and hospitals. The majority of these incidents occur on July 4th.
It is best to place spent fireworks into a bucket of water overnight, and not into trash cans with other combustibles. Always remember the three B’s of fireworks safety:
· Be Prepared – Have water nearby and put pets indoors
· Be Safe – Only adults should light fireworks
· Be Responsible – Clean up fireworks debris
For public safety and to safeguard school facilities, school property is off limits to fireworks. The Pullman School District has asked the Pullman Police Department to enforce this fireworks restriction. Pullman Police Officers will be actively patrolling for fireworks violations and have been instructed to assertively enforce the fireworks ordinance. Those found with illegal fireworks, or discharging fireworks outside of the allowable time periods, can expect a citation.
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