Jamie McIntyre, Community Risk Reduction Manager, 509.625.7058
Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 9:46 a.m.
With the Fourth of July holiday coming up, Spokane Fire Department reminds everyone that the sale and use of all amateur (consumer) fireworks is illegal in the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County.
“Spokane Fire Department urges our community members to support area firefighters and refrain from using amateur fireworks,” stated Spokane Fire Department Fire Marshal, Lance Dahl.
Illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in infractions of $536 for each violation, in addition to fines and court costs. Individuals who start a fire can also be liable for restitution of damaged property and for the recovery of Fire Department response costs.
All fireworks are prohibited, including – but not limited to – non-detonating military devices such as large flares, certain propellants, specialty fireworks, and larger devices used in public displays, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, sparklers, bottle rockets, and similar materials that contain any explosive or combustible compound. If you light it, it’s illegal.
The Stats
2022 marks the 30th year that all consumer fireworks are illegal. Based on the number of fireworks-caused fires between 1983 and 1992, the fireworks ban has prevented at least an estimated 2,700 fires.
In the 10 years prior to the fireworks ordinance in 1993, firefighters responded to an average of 104 fireworks-caused fires just in the City of Spokane during the nine-day period between June 28 and July 6.
During the past 30 years of the ban, the average number of fireworks-caused fires has dramatically dropped to five. Prior to the ban, there were so many fireworks-caused fires around the Fourth of July that some emergency medical calls to 9-1-1 had to be stacked until first responders could be dispatched.
In addition to the number of fires and injuries caused by consumer fireworks each year, fireworks can have a negative impact on neighbors, pets, and people living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or sensory input conditions.
Violations of the fireworks ban should be reported to Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.
Spokane Fire Department would like to wish the community a Happy Independence Day. We encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday safely by observing one of the area fireworks displays provided by licensed pyrotechnicians.
