Stand Down on Fireworks or It Could Cost You

Yakima City firefighters are reminding everyone that fireworks are illegal in the city of Yakima.

Anyone found with fireworks could face a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail.

Yakima Fire Department Capt. Tom Schneider says in 2013 there were 14 fireworks-related fires in the city. One of the fireworks related fires caused a grass fire near the Mercy Theater on North 16th Avenue resulting in more than $15,000 in revenue loss and damage leading to a shutdown of theater operations.

The other significant fireworks fire caused approximately $265,000 of damage to a home in west Yakima, leaving the owners with less than 50 percent of their home intact.

Firefighters are urging everyone to attend the 4th of July celebration at State Fair Park on Friday. It starts at 11:00 a.m. with fireworks set for 10:00 p.m.