Fireworks Regulations

Perhaps this is the year to consider celebrating Independence Day without a "bang!". Consider an alternative celebration with your close friends and family.

• Fireworks trigger people with PTSD, these triggers include sights, sounds, or scents that remind them of the trauma.
• Fireworks can be terrifying for animals (and those who love them). Pet owners take all precautions, but still have anxious and traumatized animals.
• Fireworks are dangerous. Even "safe and sane" fireworks can cause serious harm and fires when used improperly.
  • A simple sparker burns at 1,100 to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around July 4th holiday.
  • Most injured body parts: 19% eyes, 15% head/face/ears, 28% hands/fingers, 4% arms, 10% trunks and other, and 24% legs.
  • 44% of the injuries are burns.
• More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.

If you chose to use fireworks, please obey the law and follow the City of Oak Harbor Fireworks Regulations.

Please note that fireworks may be used on private property only. Persons using fireworks on public land (schools, roads, beaches, parks, etc.) or on private property without the property owner's (parking lots, empty lots, beaches) risk having their fireworks confiscated and being fined for reckless endangerment. Illegal use of fireworks is a gross-misdemeanor.

Celebrate Safely: It's Your Responsibility

Adult supervision around fireworks is important. Only adults should light fireworks and handle matches and lighters. Set family boundaries and talk with children about celebrating safely. Use care in selecting the area for discharge of fireworks, and the type of fireworks appropriate for that area. Weather conditions make grasses and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire.

Be Prepared

Before you light fireworks:

• Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets.
• Store fireworks out of children's reach.
• Keep pets safe indoors.
• Always keep water handy.
• Only light fireworks on property that you own (if you are not the property owner, obtain written permission to use the property for the purpose of lighting fireworks).

Be Safe

When lighting fireworks:

• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Only use outdoors.
• Do not throw fireworks or hold in your hand.
• Protect your eyes.
• Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
• Never relight a "dud".

Be Responsible

After you finish:

• Soak used fireworks in water for at least 24 hours.
• Be considerate - clean up used fireworks.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

To learn more about fireworks safety go to the Washington State Patrol Fireworks page or our Fireworks Regulations Photo Gallery.