King County Council votes 5-4 to ban fireworks in unincorporated county areas

[SEATTLE] – (MTN) A measure to ban fireworks in unincorporated King County introduced by Jim McDermott on February 27, passed a vote by the King County Council today 5-4. The measure will ban the use of unpermitted fireworks in the county and increases the fine from $250 to $1000.

The measure introduced is supported by King County Sheriff Mitzi Johnanknecht, North Highline Fire District Commissioner Liz Giba, and King County Fire Marshall Chris Ricketts.

“With our dense population and increasingly dry summers, this legislation is a necessary step for public safety,” Sheriff Johnanknecht said, “While we recognize the importance of celebrating our nation’s independence, protecting life and property is paramount. We encourage our residents to celebrate at safe, permitted fireworks displays.”

In 2020, a home caught fire in White Center after public use of fireworks that caused a fatality. Another home in Renton also caught fire.

“We must do everything we can to protect our residents from further human tragedies, as well protect our natural areas from the increased risk of wildfire due to climate change,” councilman McDermott said.

Area hospitals deal with dozens of injuries every year caused by fireworks with many incidents involving crippling injuries to the hands and damage to the face and eyes.

Locally, areas east of the Sammamish River and south of 131st Ave NE in Woodinville, and areas east of 141st Ave NE in Kirkland are impacted. The use of fireworks is already illegal in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Woodinville. Incorporated areas of Bothell permit fireworks from July 1 to July 4. Unincorporated areas in Snohomish County still allow fireworks. Incorporated areas of Duvall allow fireworks on July 4 only.

Historically, area fireworks laws have been loosely enforced.

Please Support Malcontent News

When you become a subscriber, you help us stay independent and paid advertiser free. A free press is a Constitutional right, but it doesn’t come free. Our core missions are showing you an unfiltered view of the before, during, and after, defend the First Amendment, and amplify BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices in an advertisement free experience.
	For as little as $5 a month, you can support Malcontent News. Becoming a Patreon will help cover technology, data, bandwidth, and travel costs. Patreons get early access to content and a Discord server, virtual meetings with the staff, and private Zoom meetings. Subscribe NOW!
	A one-time Venmo donation can help with safety gear, equipment, or a small thank you to show your appreciation for what Malcontent News provides. No amount is too small, even $5 goes a long way. Venmo NOW!