Aberdeen Fireworks Restrictions

Aberdeen, WA - With July 4th celebrations near, the Aberdeen fire department would like to remind the public about fireworks and safety. Fireworks can be discharged in the City of Aberdeen between the hours of 9 AM and 12 Midnight on July 4th. On June 28th the sale of legal fireworks has begun in many areas. In the City of Aberdeen, fireworks regulations are more restrictive than the state regulations.

The following restrictions apply to the City of Aberdeen:



Sale of fireworks is allowed from 11:00AM July 1st until 11:00 PM July 4th.

Discharge of fireworks is allowed only on July 4th 9:00AM until 12:00 Midnight.

Lawful fireworks are defined as class C common fireworks and labeled U.N. 0336 1.4G

It is unlawful to set off, ignite or aid in setting off any form of fireworks in a public place, which includes parks, sidewalks, streets and other pedestrian and automobile byways.

A safe alternative is to attend a community fireworks display like the City of Aberdeen 4th of July Splash. We urge citizens who chose to have their own private fireworks displays to use the following precautions:

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Be Prepared before you light fireworks:



Purchase only legal fireworks, available at licensed fireworks stands.

Ensure safety of pets.

Keep a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks.

Have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks.

Call 911 and give the correct address or location if an emergency arises.

Know basic first aid





Be Safe, when lighting fireworks:



Have a designated adult light all fireworks.

Use eye protection.

Light one firework at a time, move away quickly, and keep spectators at a safe distance until the display is finished.

Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 15-20 minutes and then soak it in water

Use only outdoors and away from anything that can burn.

To prevent injuries, follow the label directions carefully.

Always remember, do not throw fireworks or hold in you hand.

Be Responsible, after you finish:



Be considerate of neighbors and clean up the debris when finished.

If a devise does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least five minutes and approach it carefully.

Make sure all unused fireworks; matches and lighters are out of sight and reach of children. 

Some 2009 Fireworks facts/statistics:



There were 1,236 fireworks-related injuries and/or fires reported to the State Fire Marshal in 2009 by fire departments and hospital emergency rooms in Washington State. This is a 57% increase from the previous year. Of the reports received, there were 1,036 fires, and 200 injuries resulting in $5.6 million of property loss. 

Fire Departments and Hospitals in Grays Harbor County reported a total of 16 Fireworks related incidents with 6 confirmed injuries in 2009. 

Fireworks-related incidents most often occur on July 4. This has remained constant over the past eight years.

Bottle rockets and firecrackers lead the list of illegal devices causing injuries.

Illegal fireworks were the leading class causing 91 injury incidents in Washington State. Legal fireworks were responsible for 67 injury incidents. The leading causes of fireworks-related injuries is “Holding” or “Tampering with the devices.

Illegal devices causing injuries state wide include Public Display Mortars, Homemade Explosive Devices, Missiles, and Bottle Rockets. In 2009, there were 9 sparkler bomb incidents.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedoms. With this freedom comes a shared responsibility to ensure the close supervision of children whenever fireworks are present. Please, "Be Prepared", "Be Safe", and "Be Responsible" when discharging fireworks.

To learn more about fireworks safety and fireworks, visit the Washington State Fire Protection Bureau web site at www.wa.gov/wsp or call your Aberdeen Fire Department at 532-1254