Fireworks regulations vary across the Columbia Basin

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks are an important part of the nation’s birthday celebrations. However, different cities and Grant County have different rules regarding the discharge of fireworks.

Washington state allows fireworks for a few days around July 4. In Grant County, fireworks will be allowed in unincorporated areas until July 5. Fireworks are allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday of this week. They can be viewed from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.

There are some unincorporated areas in the county where fireworks are prohibited, including Sunland Estates and Crescent Bar near Quincy, the Gorge Amphitheater and its campground near Quincy, Marine View and Marine View Heights near Potholes State Park. Fireworks are not allowed in Desert Aire, including the park. Fireworks were previously allowed in the park, but in 2024, they will not be allowed.

Fireworks are prohibited in the City of Moses Lake.

Some fireworks are allowed within Ephrata city limits, but not all types, and are allowed at different times of the day. Sparklers, ground swirls, torches and wheels, cylindrical and conical fountains are allowed, but aerial devices are not.

Fireworks are allowed in Ephrata from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. July 1-3, and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 4.

The City of Quincy allows fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4. Othello also allows fireworks within city limits, but the city has different rules regarding the days and times they can be used. People can set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from July 1 to July 3 and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.

Washington lawmakers have set some state restrictions, and some cities are following state guidelines. Royal City and Warden are among them.

The Desert Aire community banned fireworks at its private park this year, citing caution and concerns about potential fire hazards.

State law allows fireworks to be fired from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1 through 3, from 9 a.m. to midnight July 4, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5. They must be “consumer” fireworks under state law, meaning they can only be sold at permitted fireworks stands.

Grant County Fire District 3 and QPD have released a list of guidelines for the safe use of fireworks.

Fireworks should be handled by responsible adults, never children. A responsible adult should be responsible for lighting them, and the person lighting them should wear safety glasses.

The best place for the show is an open space away from buildings or dry vegetation. People should have a source of water nearby and a fire extinguisher should be easily accessible. After the display, fireworks should be soaked in water and then thrown into a non-flammable container.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached by email at [email protected].