In 2016, at least four people died and about 11,100 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
On a typical Fourth of July, fireworks account for two out of five of all reported fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Each July 4, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. According to the State Fire Marshal’s website, “fireworks-related injuries were up slightly in 2016, with 242 injuries reported. There were 85 fireworks-related fires reported resulting in $265,000 in property loss.”
The City of Mountlake Terrace and South Snohomish County Fire & Rescue encourage residents and visitors to celebrate safely and legally. Here’s what you can do to help make this a safe July 4:
- Observe the city’s fireworks ban. The sale, possession and discharge of all fireworks are prohibited in Mountlake Terrace. Violations will result in confiscation of fireworks and fines. In Southwest Snohomish County, call (425) 775-3000 to report violations of the fireworks ban, if observed.
- Report fireworks violations. In Southwest Snohomish County, call (425) 775-3000 if violations of the fireworks ban are observed.
- Keep pets safe and inside. Fireworks often upset pets due to the loud noise, flashes of light and smell of smoke. Animal shelters report a dramatic increase in lost pets around July 4.
- Attend a public fireworks display. There are many professional fireworks shows in the area for your viewing pleasure including two opportunities within Mountlake Terrace. On Tuesday, July 3, beginning at 3:00 p.m. There will be an Independence Day Event at Ballinger Park sponsored by the Cheeseburger Babies Foundation, a non-profit organization. Tour de Terrace will sponsor a fireworks show at their festival on Saturday, July 28, at about 10:00 p.m. There are also public fireworks displays planned for July 4 in Edmonds, Everett, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Seattle. Check your local news media or online for where and when fireworks displays will be held.
- For more information about the fireworks law, please contact the Police Department at (425) 670-8260.
The city has a permit process for a public display of fireworks that includes hiring a professional pyrotechnician.
For more information about having a public fireworks display, contact a Permit Specialist at (425) 744-6267 or find the fireworks brochure online at http://www.cityofmlt.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/231.
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