Fourth of July without big, municipal fireworks shows? Thanks a lot, COVID-19
This year, many local fireworks shows have been canceled or postponed due to restrictions on large public gatherings.
In Phase 2 of Washington state’s Safe Start plan, public gatherings are capped at five people outside of a household.
The City of Tacoma announced in a May 11 press release that its annual T-Town Family 4th festivities and fireworks show would be canceled, with the possibility of an event later this summer. Seattle, Bellevue and Edmonds are among many Puget Sound-region cities and towns that have canceled fireworks shows.
Individuals still can buy fireworks for private use in some areas, though not in Tacoma, where fireworks are banned.
In a press release, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office said the sale of consumer fireworks will begin on Sunday, June 28 at 12 p.m. and will end on July 5 at 9 p.m.
It might be slightly harder to find a licensed fireworks seller this year. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office reports it issued 633 licenses to sell fireworks in 2020, down from 698 in 2019.
Last year, the Tacoma Fire Department reported 23 fireworks-related fires between June 26 and July 6.
This year, cities around the country have seen increased fireworks activity and sales, possibly due to the cancellation of public events.
New Fourth of July traditions
The City of Tacoma is encouraging residents to start new Fourth of July traditions in its “Skip the Fine” campaign, suggesting outdoor activities or socially distanced gatherings rather than fireworks. TPCHD also published a list of alternative ways to celebrate.
In Pierce County, fireworks are not allowed on city property or in city parks. Some types of fireworks, including bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sky rockets and missiles, are prohibited outside of tribal lands. Cherry bombs, homemade fireworks, tennis ball bombs and some other types of explosives are illegal everywhere.
Full guidelines can be found at Pierce County government’s fireworks webpage.
Fireworks rules by jurisdiction
Tacoma: The use of personal fireworks is banned in Tacoma, and violators are subject to a $257 fine.
University Place: Fireworks may be used on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. Only wire sparkler/dipped sticks, cylindrical fountains, and cone fountains are permitted. More information can be found at the University Place website.
Ruston: Fireworks are banned in Ruston.
Lakewood: Fireworks may be used on July 3, 4, and 5 between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Puyallup: Fireworks may be used on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sumner: Fireworks may be used on July 4 from noon to midnight. More information can be found at the East Pierce Fire website.
Bonney Lake: Fireworks may be used on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Fife: Fireworks may be used June 28 from noon to 11 p.m; June 29 to July 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and July 4th from 9 a.m. to midnight. Fireworks may not be used on school properties or in public parks. More information can be found the City of Fife website.
Milton: Fireworks may be used on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. More information can be found at the East Pierce Fire website.
Edgewood: Fireworks may be used on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. More information can be found at the East Pierce Fire website.
Eatonville: Fireworks may be used on July 3 and 4 from noon until 11 p.m.
Steilacoom: Fireworks are banned in Steilacoom.
DuPont: Fireworks may be used July 3 and 4, noon to midnight.
South Prairie: Fireworks may be used on the following days and times: June 28 from noon until 11 p.m; June 29 to July 3 from 9 a.m. - 11 p.m; July 4 from 9 a.m. - midnight. ; and July 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. More information can be found at the East Pierce Fire website.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord: Fireworks are banned on JBLM.
Buckley: Fireworks may be used on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Carbonado: Fireworks may be used on July 3-5 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Fircrest: Fireworks are banned in Fircrest.
Gig Harbor: Fireworks may be used on July 1-3 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Orting: Fireworks may be used July 4 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Roy: Fireworks may be used on June 28 from noon to 11 p.m. and June 29 to July 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Wilkeson: Fireworks may be used on June 28 from noon to 11 p.m.; June 29 to July 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight; and July 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Unincorporated Pierce County: Fireworks will be sold June 28 from noon to 11 p.m. and June 29 to July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks may be used on July 1-3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight. Fireworks may only be used on private property with the consent of the owner of the property.
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 5:00 AM.