Fireworks are legal in the State of Washington. Cities and counties must comply with statewide minimum standards regarding fireworks but are permitted to adopt ordinances that are more restrictive than minimum standards, including prohibitions on consumer fireworks. Ordinances that are more restrictive than state law, including prohibitions on consumer fireworks, do not take effect until one year after adoption.
Any ordinance adopted by cities or counties that is more restrictive than state fireworks law takes effect within 90 days rather than one year after adoption. After consultation with a local fire marshal or other fire official, counties and cities may immediately prohibit the use of consumer fireworks when the risk of an uncontrolled fire due to fireworks and environmental conditions is high and other temporary burning prohibitions are in effect.
Instead of just prohibitions on consumer fireworks, the substitute bill allows any ordinance adopted by cities and counties that is more restrictive than state fireworks law to take effect within 90 days after adoption rather than one year.
(In support) House Bill 1638 reduces the amount of time a county or city has to wait should they choose to enact a ban on fireworks. The wait time is lessened from one year to 90 days. Members of a community have to bear the costs of fireworks set off in that community despite many permanent residents not wanting fireworks, and a community should have input and make choices about what affects their communities. Cities would like to see a quicker effective date should they choose to prohibit fireworks. The bill creates more flexibility to react to changing circumstances and protect public health and safety. The bill allows cities that choose to prohibit fireworks the flexibility to do so without mandating that cities do so. The bill should also allow all ordinances stricter than state fireworks law to take effect within 90 days and not just firework bans. The concerns of firework sellers and groups benefiting from the sales of fireworks are valid, but a wildfire is also a significant concern with devastating consequences. Fire is an increasing and serious threat due to drought and excessive heat and is a danger to people, animals, and property. Evidence shows that fires are intensifying and not going away. Fireworks have been restricted to the Fourth of July in safe areas because it is apparent that summers were too warm and dry. Such restrictions are also put in place out of respect for full time residents with pets or folks with post-traumatic stress disorder. A non-profit that sold fireworks did not purchase a year in advance and company took back the unsold fireworks.
(Opposed) Many fireworks are purchased a year or more in advance which is why the one year wait period exists in the current law. This allows preparation and gives vendors time to find a new location after a prohibition is enacted. Selling fireworks allows folks to make money for their families and in some cases has been done in families for years. Some vendors hire local high school and college students and donate money earned from selling fireworks to charities. The short time period in the bill will negatively impact these sellers. Fires are caused by factors other than fireworks. Illegal fireworks are what need to be addressed. Statistics show that firecrackers and illegal rockets are the main sources of fires caused by fireworks throughout the state during the Fourth of July season. Retailers can work with fire departments to determine whether or not it is safe to use fireworks. They are usually set off near water. Most of the fireworks people complain about come from the Reservations.