Fireworks are a no-go in Kennewick
KENNEWICK, Wash.-- When fireworks go on sale in some communities over the next week, you won't find any fireworks stands in Kennewick.
That's because all fireworks are banned in the Kennewick city limits, even seemingly safe sparklers.
"The sparklers burn at over a thousand degrees-- that's well above the ignition temperature for most every combustible that's out there, and considered a firework as well. It is banned in the city of Kennewick, the sale and use of any of those," said Captain Brian Ellis with the Kennewick Fire Marshal's Office.
Ellis says you can be ticketed for setting off fireworks any time of the year, but it's especially dangerous in the dry summer months.
Kennewick's annual River of Fire event, a public fireworks display held on July 4th, was cancelled this year due to social distancing directives related to efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"We normally have public displays that we encourage citizens to go and watch, but this year it's all been shut down. Besides being a dangerous activity, we've seen the injuries and the fires that have been started in the past years, we want to encourage everybody to look for alternate ways to celebrate on this fourth of July," Ellis said.
Fireworks are permitted in Pasco, Richland, West Richland, and Benton City, along with unincorporated Benton County.
No fireworks of any kind are allowed in Kennewick, Prosser, Connell, and unincorporated Franklin County.
You're encouraged to only purchase fireworks in the city where you plan to use them, to ensure that they comply with local laws.
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