06/30/2006: "Fireworks That Are Legal in SJC"

As the Fourth of July approaches, we all look forward to the celebrations. As you prepare for your own festivities, please keep in mind that Fireworks are often the source of injuries or fires. San Juan County has a long history of fires from fireworks. Unlike the past few years, this Independence Day is shaping up to be drier than normal.

Fireworks are restricted in San Juan County. Fireworks are legal only on the Fourth of July from 9:00am to Midnight. Please follow these rules, and ensure that any guests or visitors you may be entertaining know and follow the rules as well:
• Only "Common" Fireworks are legal. That includes:
o Sparklers
o Cones
o Fountains
o Ground spinners
o Helicopters
o Wheels
o Small roman candles (no more than 20 grams of pyrotechnic composition)
o Mine shells (no more than 40 grams of powder)
o Smoke devices (WAC 212-17)
• The following fireworks are prohibited in Washington State:
o Firecrackers
o Rockets
o Chasers
o Aerial bombs
o M-80s and other explosives

• Fireworks may not be discharged in wooded areas, fields, forest lands or other areas where wildfires may start.

For more information, contact your local fire department; Friday Harbor 378-4183, San Juan Island 378-5334, Lopez Island 468-2991, Orcas Island 376-2331 or Shaw Island 468-4560.