Fireworks Press Briefing

Brian Schaeffer, Assistant Chief, 509.625.7002

Friday, June 27, 2014 at 5:34 p.m.

Issuing Officer: Jan Doherty/Public Education Officer

Narrative:

Spokane Fire Department will host a press briefing at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1 2014 outside the Fire Training Center at 1618 N. Rebecca St. regarding the 22nd year of the fireworks ban in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Millwood, Cheney, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County.

Fireworks-caused fires in the City of Spokane decreased from an annual average of 104 during the 10-year period prior to the 1993 ban to 5 in the 21 years since the complete ban. This translates to 2,079 fewer fires just in the city limits of Spokane. In a similar manner, local hospitals and urgent care centers show a decrease in fireworks-caused injuries from an annual average of 29 to 5. This translates to 504 fewer fireworks-caused injuries treated at local hospitals since the ban began in 1993.

Fines for the illegal use of fireworks range from $513 to $1,000. Persons who cause fireworks fires are also liable for property damage and recovery of firefighting costs. For violations of the ban, citizens can call CRIME CHECK at 509.456.2233.

For additional information regarding the press briefing, call 509.625.7040.