Be safe and sane this Fourth of July

Fireworks are illegal in both Bonney Lake and Sumner except for short windows around Independence Day.

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, city and county officials are reminding residents to stay safe and follow the laws when celebrating this year.

Fireworks are illegal in both Bonney Lake and Sumner except for short windows around Independence Day.

Sumner’s laws are stricter, limiting fireworks use to only noon to midnight on the Fourth.

In Bonney Lake, residents will be able to discharge fireworks legally from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday and from 9 a.m. to midnight on the holiday.

Unincorporated county resident shave a little more leeway as well with Pierce County allowing fireworks discharges from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. today, Wednesday, through Sunday; 9 a.m. to midnight Monday and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

Most fireworks are illegal in Washington state. State law allows the following types of fireworks: sparklers, cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, illuminating torch wheels, ground spinners, flitter sparklers, smoke devices, helicopter aerial spinners and roman candles.

M-80s and other homemade or altered explosive devices are illegal.

East Pierce Fire and Rescue, which responds to additional calls every July 4 mainly due to fireworks-related emergencies, is also offering the following safety tips:

• Only adults should light fireworks;

• Only use fireworks outdoors;

• Do not hold or throw fireworks;

• Protect your eyes;

• Light one firework at a time;

• Never relight a “dud”;

• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water; and

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.