Planning to buy fireworks for the Fourth of July? Gig Harbor has new rules this year
The city of Gig Harbor is reminding its residents of a new fireworks policy in effect this year for celebrating the Fourth of July.
The new policy took effect April 26. It states that discharging fireworks within city limits is legally permitted only on July 4 from 9 a.m.-11:59 p.m. City limits are outlined with an interactive map at https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/451/City-Limits.
Fireworks are not legal year-round in Pierce County or Gig Harbor. Anyone caught discharging illegal fireworks faces a $1,000 fine, according to Kelly Busey, chief of police for the Gig Harbor Police Department.
The new policy change came after citizens asked for the council to review the policy back in 2021, according to Laura Pettitt, Communications and Tourism Director for the city of Gig Harbor. Concerns from the public included resident safety, fire danger, and soldiers and pets who may experience PTSD. The council voted to change the policy for allowable discharge from four days (July 1-4) to one day only — July 4th.
“These policies are in effect for public safety. When someone doesn’t follow these guidelines they are exposing themselves and their neighbors to unnecessary risk,” Eric Waters, Prevention Division Chief at Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One told The Gateway June 2.
Dates and times for permitted firework sales can be found at https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/743/Fireworks-in-Gig-Harbor.
This story was originally published June 5, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
