With Independence Day comes fireworks. But in many South Sound cities, lighting a fuse could lead to a fine.
Personal fireworks are banned in Tacoma, Steilacoom, Ruston, Lacey, Fircrest, Des Moines and Federal Way.
“There are people who are adamantly opposed to the law,” said Stan McCall, commander at the Federal Way Police Department. “They believe it’s their constitutional right to blow stuff up on the Fourth of July.”
While not all cities have adopted a total ban on fireworks, many have moved to more stringent firework laws. The City of Milton enacted a stricter set of firework laws in 2011, to the chagrin of many residents.
“A lot of them felt they cannot celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Subir Mukerjee, Milton city administrator.
Prior to 2011, Milton residents were given an eight-day period to ignite their fireworks. The new law trimmed the period to one day, along with outlawing mortars, Roman candles and any other firework that “goes up or blows up.”
The Milton City Council revisited the fireworks laws at a June 11 study session, where they heard from a slew of residents. The majority of residents who spoke opposed the new law, including Susan Johnson, who said responsible citizens are being penalized for the actions of those who do not follow the law. She suggested the law be changed to allow fireworks use on July 3-4.
Other recommendations from Milton residents included establishing a fireworks permit system, penalizing only those who do not use their fireworks properly and adopting the state fireworks laws, which allow fireworks to be discharged from June 28-July 5.
In the end, the Milton City Council voted 4-3 to revisit the law later this year.
Firework laws have been a topic of debate in the Pierce County Council as well.
Last February, Councilman Dick Muri of Steilacoom proposed limiting the number of days citizens could ignite fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County from eight to one.
The council shot down Muri’s proposal with a 5-1 vote, claiming these laws were unenforceable and would only frustrate citizens.
VIDEO: Don't blow off fireworks safety
FIREWORKS RULES BY CITY
Fireworks rules
Fireworks are allowed in the following areas, with restrictions as specified.
Algona: Noon to 11 p.m. July 3; noon to 2 a.m. July 4.
Auburn: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
Bonney Lake: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5.
Buckley: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to noon July 5.
DuPont: Noon to 11 p.m. July 3; noon to midnight July 4.
Edgewood: Noon to 11 p.m. July 1 through 3; noon to midnight July 4; noon to 11 p.m. July 5.
Fife: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5.
Gig Harbor: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5.
Lakewood: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3 through 5.
Milton: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
Orting: 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. July 4.
Pacific: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
Puyallup: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
Roy: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 5.
University Place: 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.
Yelm: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 28 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5 and 6.
Unincorporated Pierce County: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5.
Unincorporated King County: 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.
Unincorporated Thurston County: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3 and 4.
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