POULSBO — Higher temperatures and no rain make for a dangerous combination, especially when fireworks are mixed in.
Fireworks use is legal in Poulsbo between noon and 11 p.m. June 28 to July 5. Poulsbo Police Chief Alan Townsend suggested in a press release that residents “instead choose the public displays that will be available on July 3 in Poulsbo or many others on July 4.”
“If you just can’t stand it and you have to fire off some of those things, make sure you have a good plan,” Townsend added. “Have fire extinguishers, buckets of water, and/or garden hoses available in case things go poorly.”
Townsend also suggested being considerate of neighbors.
“We have returning military personnel in our communities, dogs and cats, and others that may not really appreciate some of those fireworks,” he wrote. “So talk to your neighbors. Share your plans with them so they can be prepared as well.”
For more information on public fireworks displays in North Kitsap, go to www.vikingfest.org or kingston4thofjuly.com.
There were 432 fireworks-related injuries and fires reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office by fire departments and hospitals in 2014, according to the State Fire Marshal. The majority of these incidents occurred on July 4, with demographic trends indicating that the highest number of injuries were sustained by males 36 years old and older.
The incidents of greatest concern, according to the State Fire Marshal:
— 155 fires resulted in $320,240 in damage and property loss. Residential fires resulted in $161,050 in damages, or 50 percent of the total loss.
— 66 injuries were caused by devices which are illegal to own or possess in Washington State.
— Eight sparkler bomb devices caused six multiple-trauma injuries, and also resulted in two fires. These devices are considered improvised explosive devices which are illegal to manufacture and possess. Injuries as a result of one of these devices included metal puncture wounds, burns, tearing of the hands, and trauma to the face, chest and legs.
“Never attempt to make your own fireworks,” State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy said in a press release. “Talk to your families about fireworks and safety. Be sure to set family boundaries, only responsible adults should light fireworks. Always store fireworks in a secure location; making sure that they are out of reach and sight of curious children. Personal fireworks require personal responsibility.”
He recommended remembering and using the “three B’s of fireworks safety”:
- Be Prepared — Have water nearby and put pets indoors
- Be Safe — Only adults should light fireworks
- Be Responsible — Clean up fireworks debris
For more information about fireworks safety, public fireworks displays and the fireworks laws for your area, go to www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.
