The Washington State Fire Marshal is urging fireworks safety as we head into the 4th of July week.
Those who plan to celebrate the holiday with fireworks are especially asked to clean up and safely dispose of all used fireworks.
Here are a couple of safety tips and best practices from the State Fire Marshal’s Office:
- Keep a water source nearby, such as a bucket of water or a hose
- Clean up all used fireworks and debris
- Let used fireworks cool down for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes before handling, preferably overnight
- Dispose of discharged fireworks in a metal garbage can
- The following day, return to the site for additional cleanup if necessary
“If fireworks are not actively burning or smoldering, please do not soak them in water. Water-soaking is only recommended if the fireworks have misfired, are visibly damaged, or are on fire. Otherwise, moisture can cause unintended chemical reactions or make the materials harder to dispose of safely,” wrote the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Contact your local fire department or hazardous waste facility for proper disposal instructions - many areas offer special drop-off events or services for this purpose.
For more information, visit: wsp.wa.gov/fireworks
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