The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

The Fourth of July is right around the corner. Each county and city in the area has its own fireworks ordinances. Are you aware of your local regulations?

The City of Walla Walla allows fireworks to be lit within city limits starting at 9 a.m. on July 4 and ending at 12 a.m. on July 5. The City does have a small list of fireworks that are illegal within city limits, including skyrockets, missile-type rockets, firecrackers, jumping jacks, and chaser fireworks. For a complete list of rules and regulations within the City of Walla Walla, visit wallawallawa.gov

In Walla Walla County, fireworks are legal on July 1-3 from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. On July 4, fireworks are legal from 9 a.m. until 12 a.m. July 5. Walla Walla County allows small consumer fireworks like sparklers, some fountain types, spinners, and shells. The County refers to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for a complete list of legal fireworks.

The City of Waitsburg follows Washington State laws when dealing with fireworks. In Waitsburg, fireworks are legal starting June 28 (12 p.m.- 11 p.m.), June 29-30 (9 a.m.-11 p.m.), July 4 (9 a.m.-12 a.m.), and July 5 (9 a.m.-11 p.m.).

Columbia County and the City of Dayton follow the same state laws as the City of Waitsburg. Columbia County does not permit the sale of fireworks on July 5.

According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, nearly half of the wildfires in the United States are caused by fireworks. Do not light fireworks off in at-risk areas like forested areas, dry fields, or near dry lawns. Be safe when lighting fireworks. Be mindful of the direction in which you shoot off your fireworks. Don’t let children pick up firework shells after they have been lit, as they may not be done firing and could cause harm. Sparklers, one of the most common fireworks, burn at temps over 1,200* and can cause third-degree burns if used improperly.