Police will be watching for fireworks
Published 1:12 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008
By Jessica Keller
The Courier-Herald
As the Fourth of July approaches and more fireworks stands are popping up daily, the Enumclaw and Buckley police departments want to issue a few reminders to residents eager to set off the holiday explosives.
Both cities have ordinances dealing with fireworks, and police officers from both departments will be enforcing them carefully.
In Enumclaw, the fireworks ordinance is pretty strict, Lt. Eric Sortland said.
"It's quite restrictive, but that's the direction the vast majority of jurisdictions are going towards because of the types of damage that has happened, the injuries that are caused, the brushfires and the structure fires that are caused by them and just the significant amount of complaints called in by people," he said.
Fireworks can only be bought or sold in Enumclaw from noon until 11 p.m. June 28, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., June 29 through July 3, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 4.
They can only be used within the city limits between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. July 4 for those without permits, and only fireworks that are "common" or legal may be set. Sortland said "common" or legal fireworks are those that can be found in grocery store type booths within the city limits, as opposed to the fireworks available on Indian reservations.
More specifically, Sortland said, Enumclaw residents can't use any types of fireworks that would damage property or use fireworks in a manner that would subject the public to any type of hazard.
It is also illegal to throw fireworks of any kind from or toward a moving vehicle. Fireworks can't be discharged in any city or publicly owned park.
Because the weather has grown warmer and dryer, Sortland said people should be aware of fire dangers. He cautions that no one should set off fireworks close to dry leaves, grass or branches or a house or building.
He also suggested parents supervise children who are setting off fireworks, or take advantage of public displays instead of buying them.
Violating Enumclaw's fireworks ordinance is a misdemeanor, and a person could be subject of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Buckley's fireworks ordinance is less restrictive, but Police Chief Jim Arsanto said Buckley officers will be just as attentive in enforcing the rules.
People can set off fireworks designated "safe and sane" from noon, June 28, until noon July 6. Setting off fireworks during any other time, setting off fireworks not designated "safe and sane," or using fireworks in a manner that will cause injury to people or damage property is not permitted.
Like in Enumclaw, violations are a misdemeanor and could result in 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Arsanto said Buckley typically has a small number of fireworks violations each year from people setting them off before June 28 or after July 6 or setting off illegal fireworks. Officers will seize illegal fireworks and make sure fireworks are used safely within the time frame given, Arsanto added.
Jessica Keller can be reached at jkeller@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald
