Ban on fireworks proposed for King County; sparklers, snakes included

Fireworks in some cities on specific days. Bothell, Kent, Black Diamond and Maple Valley are some that allow fireworks only on the Fourth of July. Normandy Park has one of the longest windows, allowing them from June 28 to July 4. Most cities in King County have banned them outright, including Seattle. For a look at the rules for 20 cities throughout King County, click through the slideshow. less Fireworks in some cities on specific days. Bothell, Kent, Black Diamond and Maple Valley are some that allow fireworks only on the Fourth of July. Normandy Park has one of the longest windows, allowing them ... more Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Ban on fireworks proposed for King County; sparklers, snakes included 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

A King County Councilmember is proposing an almost complete ban on fireworks, which would take effect next year and cover unincorporated communities that aren't covered by city bans.

In a news release Thursday, it was announced Councilmember Joe McDermott would put forth the proposed ban. It prominently cited a tragedy last year in which a 70-year-old White Center man died in a house fire caused by fireworks during the Fourth of July. Though it's sandwiched between Seattle and Burien, White Center has resisted incorporation and remains a part of the Seattle metropolitan area where people can purchase and use fireworks.

Seattle and most cities in King County have either outright banned fireworks or restricted them to a small window around the Fourth of July.

Fireworks would not be banned from tribal lands, or unable to use for "properly permitted fireworks displays," the release said. But the legislation would be strict on other aspects of enforcement -- sparklers and other notoriously mild fireworks would be banned.

“With our dense population, and increasingly dry summers, this legislation is a necessary step for public safety," King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht said in the release.

The North Highline Fire District Commissioner, Vashon Fire and Rescue District Commissioner and King County Fire Marshal tacked on their support as well, all citing the danger fireworks posed to both people and land.

“In support of this legislation the King County Fire Marshal, along with other King County fire departments, state that if enacted it will help keep our communities, families and first responders safer. Consumer fireworks are a leading cause of both injuries and property losses each summer," King County Fire Marshal Chris Ricketts said. "In addition, King County faces increased threats of wildfire due to climate change, especially in our rural areas and on natural resource lands. These wildfire hazards are made worse by the risk of fireworks-related fires.”

In 2019, 44 patients with fireworks-related injuries were admitted to Harborview Medical Center from the beginning of July through the holiday weekend, Harborview spokesperson Sue Gregg said in an email last year. Seven of those cases required some form of amputation, ranging from a finger to a whole hand.

Two homes in North Highline were also destroyed due to fire caused by fireworks last year.

In 2018, 92 fires were caused by fireworks throughout Washington, and 71 of them were wildfires.

The ban will be referred to committee at the next full Council meeting.

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