Celebrate the 4th Safely with No Regrets!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 4^th of July holiday is quickly approaching. The tents for selling fireworks are popping up all over the county. While the reason for celebrating our independence is best summed up in the words of John Adams—

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, "Had a Declaration..." [electronic edition]. Adams Family Papers: An Electronic Archive. Massachusetts Historical Society. http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/

--we must also understand that this can be a time of torment for pets and livestock. This year, in particular, our terrain is unusually dry, which sets the stage for unintended fires. We are each responsible for our actions, so please be prepared to take on any unexpected events and consider your neighbors. Don’t let your words on July 5 be: “If only I had…”! Here are fireworks safety guidelines. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

You can find fireworks information on the Washington State Patrol, Office of the State Fire Marshall’s website in addition to Pierce County’s Fire Marshall’s page.

Below is an excerpt of Pierce County’s fireworks code:

17C.60.230 Fireworks.

D. Dates When Sales and Purchases Permitted. No permit holder shall sell at retail or offer for sale nor shall any person purchase any fireworks authorized to be sold in this Chapter within the unincorporated area of the County, except from 12:00 noon to 11:00 p.m. on June 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from June 29 through July 4, and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on July 5 of any year. Sale and purchase of fireworks on December 27 through December 31 authorized by RCW Chapter 70.77 is specifically prohibited in unincorporated Pierce County.

E. Dates When Discharge Permitted. No person shall use or explode any fireworks within the unincorporated area of the County except from between 12:00 noon and 11:00 p.m. on June 28 and between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on June 29 through July 3,
between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight on July 4, and between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on July 5 of any year; provided, that this prohibition shall not apply to duly authorized public displays where the same are authorized pursuant to the laws of the State; and
provided further, that this prohibition shall not apply to persons or organizations specified in Item G., below. Discharge of fireworks on December 31 and January 1 authorized by RCW 70.77 is specifically prohibited in unincorporated Pierce County.

F. Hours of Discharge. No person shall use or explode any fireworks within the unincorporated area of the County between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., except that the period of discharge on July 4 is extended to 12:00 midnight. Any person
found in violation of this Section shall be subject to the penalties prescribed in RCW 70.77; provided, however, this Section shall not apply to authorized public displays as are specified in Item G., below.

G. Exemptions from Discharge Time Regulations. The discharge of fireworks by religious organizations for ceremonial use and/or by private organizations or persons for specific uses, when approved by the Fire Marshal, shall be permitted at any time or date so approved.

The 4^th of July is a tribute to those whose vision, courage and sacrifices gave us our Republic. Let’s celebrate in style and safety so that we and our posterity may always remember our heritage with grateful appreciation!

God Bless America!

Sincerely,