Fireworks sales begin ahead of July 4 holiday

RITZVILLE – It’s almost Independence Day and fireworks will once again be on full-color display across Washington state, and the nation.

According to the state Fire Marshall’s Office, four fireworks stands have been licensed to operate in Adams County.

A total of 538 fireworks retail licenses have been issued by Washington state this year, not counting tribal fireworks stands and wholesalers.

Under state law, retail fireworks stands could open at noon Tuesday, June 28.

Fireworks can be sold from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily through July 4.

They can also be sold from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.

State law allows fireworks to be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. through July 3, and on July 5.

On Independence Day, fireworks can be discharged from 9 a.m. until midnight.

The law does not apply to reservations, where American Indian tribes can establish their own laws.

Last year, the state issued 607 retail fireworks permits statewide.

The decline from last year may be in part due to last year’s drought and some efforts to curtail fireworks use.

In Ritzville, the city discussed an ordinance allowing for emergency descriptions last year.

A draft ordinance July 1 led to a September hearing on the measure that would authorize a fire officials to prohibit fireworks in periods of extreme fire danger.

Those efforts could not go into effect this year as state law requires a minimum of 1 year before it could be implemented.

A survey on the issue show 75% of city residents found an emergency ordinance an important tool during drought years; however, only 51% of city residents supported a city-wide permanent ban.

Adams County commissioners also discussed fireworks rules and regulations during the last year, with talks focused on defining days and times when fireworks can be discharged and establishing procedures, rules and regulations regarding the retail sale of fireworks in unincorporated areas.