Consumers urged to purchase only legal fireworks

With the Fourth of July holiday today (Thursday), State Fire Marshal Chuck Duffy urges Washington residents to purchase and use only legal fireworks.

Fireworks legal for consumer use are sold at licensed fireworks stands between June 28 and July 5. Licensed fireworks stands can, by law, only sell fireworks labeled as consumer fireworks. All legal consumer fireworks packed for sale have to meet specific requirements, which are listed below:

The firework must have a warning label on the box and on the item. The warning label has two components. One is a signal word such as “WARNING” or “CAUTION” designed to attract the user’s attention. The second is a statement of hazard designed to warn the user of the specific aspect of the item’s operation that may result in the potential for injury. A statement of hazard includes statements such as “FLAMMABLE” or “SHOOTS FLAMING BALLS WITH REPORTS.”

The packaging must have instructions for use and necessary safety precautions to be observed, and must have labeling with the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, distributor, or seller and the name of the country of manufacture.

The packaging for legal fireworks must have the United States Department of Transportation designation as "Division 1.4G Consumer Fireworks" or "Division 1.3G Special Fireworks." Division 1.3G Special Fireworks are also referred to as Commercial Grade or Professional Display Fireworks.

Possession and use of commercial grade fireworks is limited to individuals with a license from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms or a pyrotechnic license from the State of Washington.

The label on the packaging must be in English and the packaging must be made of bright, colorful paper.

Top signs that your fireworks may be illegal include purchasing from someone other than a licensed fireworks stand, packaging without a safety warning, country of manufacture or bright colors, and a homemade appearance such as resembling a roll of coins with a fuse coming out the side or electrical tape wrapping.

Report illegal fireworks to the Sheriff’s Office by calling 795-3242.