With the Fourth of July just a few days away, residents throughout Lewis County are gearing up for the festivities, which for some means purchasing fireworks or other types of explosives to set off in celebration.
If you’re planning on purchasing and setting off your own explosives for Independence Day, here’s what you need to know in Centralia, Chehalis and throughout unincorporated Lewis County.
Other cities in the county may have their own fireworks codes. For more information, contact your local government for rules and restrictions.
Centralia
The Centralia Police Department issued a news release reminding residents of the city’s municipal code regarding sales and setting off of fireworks within Centralia city limits.
Last year, the department received 38 complaints about fireworks being set off in Centralia over the Independence Day week between June 28 and July 5.
When it comes to actually setting them off, fireworks can be discharged only on Thursday, July 4, from noon to midnight.
The sale and purchase of fireworks within city limits is strictly prohibited with the exception of July 1 through July 4 from noon to 11 p.m. each day.
Additionally, setting off fireworks, firecrackers, torpedoes or explosives of any kind in city parks is strictly prohibited unless a permit from the city has been obtained.
“State and federal laws prohibit items such as M-80s, M-100s, altered fireworks, and homemade devices as these devices are high powered and can cause devastating injuries,” the release added.
The Centralia Police Department also advised those looking to purchase fireworks to do so only from licensed and permitted fireworks stands.
Additionally, fireworks should not be purchased if they have an abnormal fuse, electrical tape or exposed contents, appear to be wrapped in solid color paper with no markings, are missing safety warnings, instructions and effect descriptions. or if they appear to be homemade.
“We understand the frustration when neighbors are not following the rules, but please do not call 911 unless there is a fire, injury or other emergency. Calls about illegal fireworks discharge can be made to 360-740-1105,” the Centralia Police Department said in the release. “Our goal is to keep our community safe and allow people to celebrate responsibly. Please enjoy the Fourth of July without violating the laws our community has agreed upon.”
For more information, read the city’s law regarding fireworks at https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Centralia/.
Chehalis and Lewis County
Those residing in Chehalis must abide by Washignton state law when it comes to when they can light their own fireworks, Chehalis Police Chief Randy Kaut said in an email to The Chronicle. Lewis County Fire Marshal Doyle Sanford also confirmed the county abides by state law with, “no amendments or changes.”
Fireworks, firecrackers or other celebratory explosives can be launched starting on Friday, June 28, from noon to 11 p.m. within city limits or in unincorporated Lewis County.
Then, from Saturday, June 29 to Wednesday, July 3, fireworks can be discharged daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., then from 9 a.m. to midnight on Thursday, July 4, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 5.
As far as fireworks sales in Chehalis goes, sales are allowed only at fireworks stands that are licensed and have obtained permits through the city or county.
Fireworks sales are allowed from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Saturday, June 29, to Thursday, July 4, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 5.
Additionally, fireworks should not be purchased if they have an abnormal fuse, electrical tape or exposed contents, appear to be wrapped in solid color paper with no markings, are missing safety warnings, instructions and effect descriptions or if they appear to be homemade.
To report fireworks being set off outside of the allowed times, call the Chehalis Police Department’s non-emergency line at 360-748-8605 or the Lewis County Field Operations and Patrol number at 360-740-1105.
For more information, read Chehalis Municipal Code chapter 5.32 at https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Chehalis/.
