KING COUNTY, Wash. — A King County Councilmember has proposed banning the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas due to safety concerns and wildfire danger.
Councilmember Joe McDermott introduced the legislation on Thursday. He cited a deadly house fire in White Center last Fourth of July and numerous wildfires that have been started by fireworks as just some of the reasons for the ban.
“While I understand that fireworks are a time-honored tradition in our country, we must recognize that unincorporated King County remains as one of the last jurisdictions in our region where you can legally purchase and discharge fireworks without a permit," said McDermott. "We must do everything we can to protect our residents from further human tragedies, as well as protect our natural areas from the increased risk of wildfire due to climate change.”
Fireworks are already banned in 25 other jurisdictions in King County, and many types of fireworks are illegal outside of tribal lands, according to a release from Councilmember McDermott.
The proposed legislation would make the use of any firework illegal, including sparklers. It would not ban property permitted firework displays or effect fireworks on tribal trust lands.
If approved, Washington state law requires a one-year waiting period before the ban could take effect. King County would undertake an educational campaign about the new law during that time.
The legislation will be referred to committee at the next full council meeting.
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