Posted: June 23, 2009 15:04:36 PST
The Bellingham Fire Department joins the Washington State Fire Marshall's Office in calling for caution in purchasing and discharging fireworks. Every year, thousands of fireworks related incidents are reported to the State Fire Marshal. Nearly 50% of the injuries reported are typically to children under the age of 14. Holding fireworks is the leading cause of fireworks injuries. Sparklers burn at over 1,200 degrees and are one of the leading fireworks involved in injuries. Fireworks are one of the leading causes of wildland fires. Please keep the following in mind as you celebrate safely:
Before lighting fireworks - be prepared
Purchase only legal fireworks, available at licensed stands. Purchase only the quantity that you will use. Ensure the safety of pets. Keep a bucket of water nerby in which to place all used fireworks. Have a water hose nearby to put out stray sparks. Clear a level area away from things that can burn. Teach your children to "stop, drop, and roll" if their clothes catch on fire.
When lighting fireworks- be safe
Only adults should light fireworks. Use eye protection. Light only one at a time and move away quickly. Keep spectators at a safe distance. use only outdoors, away from anything that can burn. To prevent injuries, follow the directions on the label carefully. Be considerate of your neighbors, family pets and your environment.
When finished- be responsible
Clean up all debris when finished. Duds can be dangerous. If a fireworks item does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least fifteen minutes, approach it carefully, and place it in a bucket of water. Make sure unused fireworks, matches and lighters are out of sight and reach of children.
Regulations
Fireworks regulations in the city limits of Bellingham are more restrictive than state regulations. Fireworks are only allowed to be sold between noon on June 28th and 9PM on July 5th. Fireworks may only be discharged between the hours of 9AM and midnight on July 4th.
The following are legal fireworks in the city limits of Bellingham:
Novelty and smoke items, sparklers and spinners, multi aerials, helicopters, cones and fountains, wheels, roman candles (up to 10 "stars")
By Washington State law, the following are legal to possess and discharge only on tribal lands and become illegal fireworks when possessed off tribal lands:
Firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles and rockets
These items are considered illegal explosive devices in any location:
M-80's or larger, cherry bombs, any improvised device such as tennis ball bombs.
Lastly, this spring's dry weather makes it even more important to be diligent and careful when using fireworks. "The last thing we want to have to deal with is having to extinguish a house fire resulting from careless use of fireworks by neighbors", noted Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Boyd. "People who cause a fire resulting from use of fireworks may be liable for any damage they cause", Boyd noted.
For further information, go to http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm http://www.cob.org/ or contact the Bellingham Fire Department Life Safety Division at 778-8429.
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Media Contact:
Jason Napier, Fire Marshal
Bellingham Fire Department
Office: (360) 778-8420
Fax: (360) 778-8401
Media line: (360) 778-8480
Email: jnapier@cob.org
