GHF&MO

More Safety Information:  Washington State Fire Marshal , NFPA and  

Consumer Products Safety Commission

Port Orchard - www.fathomsoffun.org

Event: Fathoms of Fun Festival

Place: View from Port Orchard, Bremerton and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard,

July 4th 10:30pm

 

Tacoma - http://www.freedomfair.com

Event: Freedom Fair

Place: Rustin Way Waterfront Park

Date: July 4th

Time: 10:00 a.m. till late evening (Televised Q13 Fox, simulcast on Warm 106.9 FM, & KLAY 1180 AM)

 

Tacoma - http://www.tacomarainiers.com

Click on Schedule then promotions

Event: Post Game Fireworks Show

Place: Cheney Stadium

Date: July 3rd and every Friday night after the game.

 

For more public displays go to http://www.wsp.wa.gov/Fire/docs/fireworks/fireshow.pdf

---

Celebrate the 4^th of July Safely

Enjoy your Independence Day Celebrations by setting family boundaries on the use of fireworks. Don’t overestimate your child’s ability to use good judgment when it comes to holding or lighting fireworks. Children are naturally curious about fireworks and they are thrilled by the popping and whizzing. However many do not have enough experience to make them use caution. It is your responsibility to take charge and provide a safe environment for viewing and using fireworks. Your fire department recommends attending a community display – this leaves the lighting of fireworks in the hands of professionals who have been trained and licensed to use explosives.

Legal Concerns

The personal use of fireworks causes injuries and fires each year. Last year there was over 153 emergency room incidents in Washington associated with fireworks. 794 fires were set and 207 injuries resulted from personal use of fireworks. Additionally, illegal explosive devices caused $5,912,175.00 in damage and 95 injuries with bottle rockets leading all other devices in fire loss and injury cause.

You may be held accountable if you cause a fire or an injury while using fireworks. The legal consequences range from being charged with malicious mischief to assault or a gross misdemeanor. Examples include possession of illegal explosive devices such as fireworks that have been tampered with or altered. A gross misdemeanor can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a year in prison. – Use only "Class C" fireworks.

Adult supervision is essential to the use of personal fireworks. Only adults should light fireworks. Use care in selecting the area for discharge of fireworks. Be especially careful if the weather is dry during the weeks leading up to the 4^th of July.

• Prepare the area you intend to use for lighting by making it free of obstacles that could cause someone to fall.
• Have a charged hose ready for use incase a fire starts.
• Clear away all dried vegetation.
• Wet down the area before discharging fireworks.
• Select an adult to light the fireworks.

• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Fireworks should not be held in your hands after lighting.
• Fireworks should not be thrown.
• Use eye protection when lighting fireworks.
• Once you light a device, move away quickly.
• Never try to alter or relight a dud.

• Soak all spent fireworks in a bucket of water.
• Look around for devices that have flown into vegetation or trees.
• Put the lighting device away – out of the reach of children.

Think before you light. M80’s, M100’s or M1000’s are illegal explosive devices. They are not legal fireworks. The use of fireworks on school properties is illegal. Many communities have banned the use of fireworks completely. Check local rules before using fireworks. 

• Firecrackers – ¼ inch by 1 ½ inches or less and contain less than .13 grams of powder.
• Bottle Rockets – are ¼ inch by 1 ½ inches attached to a 12 inch stick, and their color may vary.
• Skyrockets are ½ inch inside diameter, attached to a stick for guidance, and contain up to 20 grams of powder.