Fireworks sales for the July 4th holiday are scheduled to begin June 28 in Washington and last until July 5, the state Fire Marshal’s Office announced — but it is not legal for an individual to discharge them in much of the Methow.
Okanogan County has already banned the discharge of fireworks in any unincorporated part of the county unless a permit is issued by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office.
“Every such display shall be handled by a competent operator to be approved by the sheriff and shall be of such a character and so located, discharged and fired as in the opinion of the sheriff, after proper inspection, shall not be hazardous to property or endanger any person or persons,” county code reads.
On Monday (June 21), the Okanogan County Commissioners enacted a burn ban which affects all land in unincorporated areas.
In Twisp, personal fireworks are banned in city parks, and the town follows the county’s burn ban.
In Winthrop, fireworks are illegal to sell or discharge for the Fourth of July.
“People have been fairly good about fireworks in Fire District 6,” said Okanogan County Fire District 6 Chief Cody Acord.
Recent devastating fires in the Methow have trained residents to be careful about fire.
“I think it does make people more cautious and more alert,” Acord said.
Right now, the Methow’s fire danger is typical for this time of year, he said.
The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office issued 607 licenses for fireworks stands this year, down from last year’s total of 633.
Fireworks can be discharged in areas where it is legal during set times from June 28 to July 5.
