The Fireworks Ban in Spokane Works!

Spokane’s fireworks ban has contributed to a safer Fourth of July for nearly two decades. This July marks the 19th year of a complete fireworks ban in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated parts of Spokane County.



Spokane Fire Department personnel appreciate the dramatic reduction in fires and injuries that were traditionally associated with Independence Day celebrations in our community. Most local residents understand and respect the purpose of the fireworks ban.



Since the ban on consumer fireworks was enacted, fireworks-related fires and injuries have dropped dramatically. Fireworks-related fires in the City of Spokane dropped from an annual average of 104 in the 10 years prior to the ban to an average of 4 in the 10 years after the ban. In a similar manner, fireworks-caused injuries dropped from an annual average of 29 to 4. During the 2010 fireworks reporting period of June 28 to July 6, Spokane hospitals treated 2 injuries, and Spokane Fire Department responded to 3 fireworks-caused fires.



Common fireworks are NOT “Safe-and-Sane”! There are still about 8,000 fireworks-related injuries requiring emergency room care or hospitalization each year in the U.S. during the July 4th period. Most fireworks injuries involve devices that are legal under current federal law. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Hand Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Center for Injury Research & Policy, Emergency Nurses Association, Fire Department Safety Officers Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Firefighters, International Fire Marshals Association and Prevent Blindness America are all in support of consumer fireworks bans throughout the U.S.



Individual fireworks are NOT cheap entertainment. Millions of dollars in direct property loss happens each year in less than a 2-week period as Americans celebrate Independence Day. The Colville Tribe lost over $15 million in timber on July 4, 2003, after someone lit a bottle rocket from their boat on Lake Roosevelt. In 2006, fireworks caused about $6 million in damage to schools in Washington State. Firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles have been illegal throughout the State of Washington for more than 60 years, long before the Spokane ban.



The Spokane Fire Department encourages the community to celebrate the Fourth of July by enjoying the annual public fireworks display in Riverfront Park.



For additional information on the negative impact of individual fireworks across the U.S., contact the National Fire Protection Association or our public education desk.



Violations of the Spokane-area ban can be reported to Crime Check at 456-2233. Fireworks fines range from $513 to $1,000 for each infraction. Residents can dispose of unwanted fireworks in the household hazardous waste area at the Waste-to-Energy Facility and the transfer stations. There is no disposal cost.