7/03/08

Fireworks reminders:

Safety is top concern for city, fire officials

While several western Washington cities have completely banned the use of fireworks with the exception of professional events within city limits, residents of Marysville, Arlington and unincorporated Snohomish County are still allowed to light up the neighborhood skies. Each area has specific regulations regarding the use of fireworks, and law enforcement personnel will be out in force over the long holiday.

All fireworks used within city and county boundaries must be the “safe and sane” variety, typically purchased at stands located in town. Those purchased on Indian reservations are generally illegal for use within city limits, although residents of Tulalip are exempt from that restriction.

In Marysville, legal fireworks can only be discharged on July 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. In Arlington and unincorporated Snohomish County, consumer fireworks are also limited to use on the Fourth, from 9 a.m. to midnight.

The safest way to enjoy a nighttime display, fire officials say, is to attend a professional fireworks show in a public place. Arlington and Everett both plan free fireworks extravaganzas.

The Arlington fireworks display, part of the city’s annual festival, begins at 9 p.m. Friday evening with recommended viewing areas at Quake Memorial Park and the Arlington Boys and Girls Club.

In Everett, the On-the-Bay Fireworks Extravaganza starts just after 10 p.m. with simulcast music on 90.7 KSER FM. Visible from many places along the waterfront, the organizers recommend watching from Legion Park, Harborview Park, the 10th Street Boat Launch or Grand Avenue Park.

Local fire officials will be on alert throughout the July 4th weekend. With the recent hot, dry weather, the danger of fires sparked by fireworks use is higher than usual.