Do’s and Don’ts of New Year’s Eve fireworks in Spokane

Like Fourth of July, New Year's Eve has become synonymous with fireworks. And while the weather might be colder, it does not mean the laws on using fireworks in the City of Spokane change. For over 25 years the use and distribution of amateur fireworks has been banned, and there's no sign of that changing soon.

December 31, 2019 11:25 AM

Caroline Flynn,

Posted: December 31, 2019 11:25 AM

Updated: December 31, 2019 4:05 PM

by Caroline Flynn

SPOKANE, Wash. — Like Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve has become synonymous with fireworks. And while the weather might be colder, it does not mean the laws on using fireworks in the City of Spokane change. For over 25 years, the use and distribution of amateur fireworks has been banned and there’s no sign of that changing soon.

All fireworks are included in the ban, from sparklers to firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets. The Spokane Fire Department estimates 2,200 fires were prevented because of the ban, based on previous data. They said that in the 10 years prior to the fireworks ordinance in 1993, firefighters responded to an average of 104 firework-caused fires just in the City of Spokane during the 9-day period between June 28 and July 6.

Fireworks can be extremely dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 16,000 reported fires are started by fireworks every year. When misused they can cause injuries to the eyes, face and extremities. One-quarter of fireworks-related emergency room visits are due to sparklers.

The Spokane Fire Department has reported misuse of fireworks over the Christmas holiday and warns that doing so can result in an infraction of $536 for each violation, on top of additional fines and court costs. If a fire is started, individuals are also liable for restitution of damaged property as well as the recovery of response costs for the Spokane Fire Department.

If you can’t imagine your New Year’s Eve without some fireworks, the Spokane Fire Department recommends checking out Riverfront Park’s free fireworks display on New Year’s Eve at 9 p.m.