MYNORTHWEST NEWS

New rules for Fourth of July fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County

Sep 23, 2021, 7:03 AM

fireworks...

A fireworks stand in Mukilteo, Washington. (MyNorthwest photo)

(MyNorthwest photo)

Under new rules, unincorporated Pierce County will soon move from five days of being able set off Fourth of July fireworks to just one.

King County Council approves fireworks ban in unincorporated areas

When the celebration rolls around in 2023, people in unincorporated Pierce County will be allowed to light fireworks only on July 4.

“Changing dates modifies the ability for people to celebrate. This is celebrating our country, and we’ve already modified the dates,” said Randy Curly, TNT fireworks manager, as he was pleading the case to councilmembers this week against the legislation.

The council did vote to also allow fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Beginning in 2023, personal fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County can only be set off on July 4 and New Year’s Eve, according to new legislation passed by the Pierce County Council. Right now, fireworks are legal in unincorporated Pierce County from July 1 through July 5, and none are allowed on New Year’s Eve.

“Because fireworks will be allowed on New Year’s Eve, the proposal expands the dates when fireworks may be sold to now, in addition, noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 27 through Dec. 31,” said William Bridges, Pierce County policy analyst.

The new law also says the fire marshal and county executive can temporarily ban the lighting of fireworks if it’s too dry or if a ban is necessary to protect public safety due to unsafe conditions.

Puyallup teens raise money with fireworks sales

The fire marshal is expected to return to the council by April 2022 with an outline of how soon before July 4 a ban could be issued, knowing that consumers typically buy fireworks as soon as stands open.

MyNorthwest News

Photo: On Monday, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced there will be 16 new preschool classrooms across Se...

Julia Dallas

Harrell’s office announces Seattle preschool slots for thousands of kids

Thousands more families will have the chance to start their children's Seattle preschool education earlier, thanks to a program launching.

6 hours ago

Digital...

Micki Gamez

How parents can help prevent children from falling victim to online sex crimes

Chances are, if your teen has a cell phone or tablet, they either know someone or they have been the victim of an online sex crime because kids as young as seven are online more than ever. My interest in this story began almost the same time last year when my daughter came home and […]

10 hours ago

Pierce County Jail...

Bill Kaczaraba

Pierce County Corrections chief at odds with the employee guild

The Corrections Bureau's Guild has issued Patti Jackson a vote of 'no confidence,' as reported by The Tacoma News Tribune.

12 hours ago

Image: A Seattle Police Department vehicle seen during the day...

Sam Campbell

Security guard stabbed, suspect barricades inside Beacon Hill apartment

SWAT officers surrounded a complex in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood after police said a man stabbed a guard barricaded himself inside.

13 hours ago

seattle indecent exposure...

Frank Sumrall

Seattle man arrested for 14 counts of indecent exposure, most near schools

A 34-year-old man was arrested by Seattle police (SPD) in connection to 14 counts of indecent exposure near Lake Forest Park.

13 hours ago

Federal Way shootings...

Bill Kaczaraba

Federal Way Police say two shootings are related

Police believe two shootings in Federal Way are related.

16 hours ago

New rules for Fourth of July fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County