Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedom. With this freedom comes a shared responsibility to ensure the safe use of fireworks. Please be aware, the City of Snoqualmie will be enforcing fireworks laws to make this Independence Day safer for all.
Every year fireworks injure people and cause vegetation and structure fires. Whenever you light a firework device, be aware of your surroundings. Avoid areas with dry grass or dry vegetation. Position fireworks so they will not land on or near a home or building. Be sure spectators are at a safe distance.
To celebrate safely remember to: Be Prepared, Be Safe and Be Responsible.
- Be Prepared -- Use only legal fireworks purchased at licensed stands. Store them out of children’s reach.
- Be Safe -- Only adults should light fireworks. Light one firework at a time and move away quickly. Use eye protection and never relight a “dud.” Always keep water handy.
- Be Responsible -- Soak used fireworks in water and clean up fireworks debris.
Talk with your family members and guests about the fireworks law for your area. Persons using fireworks must remember that there may be legal consequences to injuries or fires caused by the irresponsible use of fireworks.
Snoqualmie Fire Chief Bob Rowe reminds parents to ensure the safety of children by closely supervising personal fireworks use, and by using only legal fireworks purchased from Washington State licensed stands during the fireworks season.
By state law, fireworks sales are limited to people age 16 and over. Sellers must require proof of age with a driver’s license or photo identification card issued by a school or government.
Devices which are illegal to possess in Washington State include:
- Fire Crackers
- Chasers
- Altered Fireworks
- Cherry Bombs
- Bottle Rockets
- Homemade Devices
- Tennis Ball and Sparkler Bombs
- Pipe Bombs
- Missiles and Rockets
- M-80s, M-100s and larger
Fire crackers, bottle rockets, missiles and rockets may be legal to possess and discharge on tribal lands. These items are illegal in Washington State and become illegal fireworks when possessed off tribal lands.
Be aware of the legal dates and times for use.
In the City of Snoqualmie, the legal discharge times are 6:00 p.m. on the fourth day of July to 11:00 p.m. on the fourth day of July. No person may possess, discharge, or make any other use of any fireworks in any public park. The fine for possession or discharge of fireworks outside legal dates/times or in a public park is a civil infraction and may result in a fine of $124. (See Snoqualmie Municipal Code 8.30 - Fireworks)
Let’s work together to keep our community safe during this Independence Day celebration.
Please see the links to the right for safety tips and other important information.