There are plenty of ways to buy legal firecrackers in communities around Western Washington, but officials are warning against illegal fireworks that can cause serious injuries.
Cities and counties across the state have varying laws governing the sale and use of fireworks, and the federal government regulates fireworks on tribal lands. But some fireworks are flat-out illegal or only legal in professional displays.
The Puget Sound region has a problem with consumers getting injured by these illicit fireworks, says Brennan Phillips, an explosives enforcement officer with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
"A combination of alcohol, ignorance, or being impaired, not having the training or really the knowledge, coupled with a lot of explosive potential can be a recipe for disaster," Phillips said.
These fireworks are meant for professionals, but sold illicitly to casual users, smuggled from China or Mexico, or homemade. Phillips says buyers usually know what they're looking for and often pay more for the big explosion.
"It's just like any other contraband," Phillips said. "The folks that are selling them know that they're illegal, and they're going to charge you a premium for it."
In a demonstration on wooden cutouts at the Seattle Police Athletic Association and gun range in Tukwila, Phillips showed how easy it can be to lose a finger or even a hand by mishandling these fireworks.
The devices were triggered remotely. Sometimes there was a delay between the trigger and the explosion, while some of the fireworks exploded immediately. Others appeared to trigger a relatively benign sparkler before a larger explosion.
Phillips said Harborview Medical Center alone sees about 20-30 injuries from such fireworks each year. There were a total of 209 firework-related injuries across Washington last year, according to the state fire marshal.
Setting off or selling these fireworks can result in both local and federal penalties, including fines or jail time.
Legal fireworks also can be dangerous, leading to injuries or fires. Here are some tips on how to stay safe:
- Wear safety glasses and gloves;
- Clear out the area of all flammable items and avoid shooting fireworks in areas with dry trees or vegetation;
- Have a bucket of water or hose handy if a fire does develop;
- Never light fireworks in your hand, and leave the lighting to adults;
- Always light one firework at a time;
- Clean up fireworks debris and soak used fireworks in water.
