Fewer retail fireworks stands licenses issued in 2013

Published 11:39 am Thursday, March 20, 2014

State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy announced that the number of retail fireworks stand licenses issued in 2013 is down 2.5 percent, or 23 licenses, from 2012.

A state license is required before a city or county can issue a permit to operate a fireworks stand in Washington.

Licenses are issued by county, with Thurston County seeing the largest drop in retail fireworks stand licenses issued with nine, followed by King County with eight and Grays Harbor with five.

Sales of consumer fireworks begin at noon Friday, June 28, and end at 11 p.m. July 5.

A number of city and counties have restricted or banned the sale and discharge of fireworks. Check with your local jurisdiction before using fireworks.

Attending a public display is a safe way to enjoy fireworks. To learn about a community fireworks display near you, visit www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.

For more information, contact your local fire department, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 360-596-3946.

For additional information and video footage on the SFMO Fireworks Safety PSA, see the Washington Government YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/washingtongovernment or www.youtube.com/wspgovandmedia.