Reminder: King County has banned fireworks

A warning about fireworks as we approach the 4th of July.

A 14 year old lost their hand Monday while playing with fireworks behind Federal Way's Saghalie Middle School. A 10 or 11 year old was also injured in the incident. Stories like this are why King County has banned fireworks in all unincorporated areas.

This year, King County is joining other jurisdictions around the region with its own fireworks ban. The ban was approved in 2021. It nixes the use and sale of all types of fireworks, even sparklers and smoke bombs (sorry Batman).

“While there are plenty of good reasons to support a full ban on consumer fireworks, I am driven by the tragic loss of life and property in White Center in 2019,” King County Councilmember Joe McDermott said when the ban was approved in 2021. “It is past time for King County to do what most cities and parks have already done. People in unincorporated King County deserve the same protections as those living in cities.”

This means that this year, 2022, is the first year that the county is not allowing the sale or use of fireworks. However, officials won't be issuing citations this year. Instead, they will issue warnings. A list will be kept of those who violate the new rules. Moving forward, violating the ban will count as a misdemeanor.