In light of our hot and dry weather, we appeal to you: Please refrain from lighting personal fireworks this 4th of July!
Please remember that all fireworks are illegal in Everett. Over the years, our office sadly has sadly come across dozens of firework-related injuries, claims and even a home entirely destroyed by fire.
Please plan to join local festivities, for example the Everett Parade at 11am, the Everett Legion Park Festival from 1pm – 11pm, and the public fireworks show “Thunder on the Bay” at 10:20pm.
State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy announced today that there were 155 suspected fireworks-related fires in 2014. These fires accounted for an estimated loss of over 320 thousand dollars.
Let’s work together to keep our communities safe. The office of the Washington State Fire Marshal has published this press release on when it’s appropriate to call 9-1-1:
Fireworks and Calling 911; When is it appropriate
Every year around the Fourth of July, 911 operators are inundated with calls regarding fireworks. The majority of these calls are non-emergency related, but tie up the 911 system, potentially delaying an emergency call from getting through.
The chart below has been produced with input from a number of Emergency Dispatch Centers and should be used as a guide when determining to call 911 regarding fireworks.
Who do you call to report illegal fireworks or suspicious activities involving fireworks?
| Incident or Question? | Call 9-1-1? | If not a call to 9-1-1 who should I call? |
| Are fireworks legal within the city or county I live in? |
No |
Fireworks inquiries can be answered by searching the internet for local restrictions or calling the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number. |
| I want to report fireworks violations. |
No |
Fireworks violations may be reported by calling the police department’s non-emergency phone number. |
| I have a firework related injury from using fireworks. |
Yes Call 9-1-1 |
|
| A fire has started from the use of fireworks. |
Yes Call 9-1-1 |
|
| The neighbor is using illegal fireworks (M-80’s). |
Yes Call 9-1-1 |
Or the local police department’s non-emergency phone number. |
| Where do I get a Fireworks Stand License from? |
No |
Call the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360) 596-3913 or check the internet. |
| I have old consumer fireworks I want to get rid of. |
No |
Call the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number. |
| I have found a short piece of pipe with a fuse coming out of it. |
Yes Call 9-1-1 |
Leave the device where it is and do not pick it up. |
| There is a storage container at the neighbor’s house loaded with fireworks. |
No |
Call the local police or fire department’s non-emergency phone number. |
| My next door neighbor is making fireworks in his garage. |
Yes Call 9-1-1 |
Calling 9-1-1:
Reporting illegal activities or use of fireworks to 9-1-1 should be limited to those instances when the activity is in progress and poses a threat or danger to others or yourself.
Remember the 3 B’s of Fireworks
- Be Prepared—Have water nearby and put pets indoors
- Be Safe—Only adults should light fireworks
- Be Responsible–Clean up fireworks debris
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is a Bureau of the Washington State Patrol, providing fire and life safety services to the citizens of Washington State including inspections of state licensed facilities, plan review of school construction projects, licensing of fire sprinkler contractors and pyrotechnic operators, training Washington State’s firefighters, and collecting emergency response data.
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