Authorities In Yakima Teaming Up To Battle Fireworks

As July 4th rapidly approaches, members of a multi-agency task force have united together in a common goal: the prevention of illegal use of fireworks in Yakima County. The focus of the education and enforcement campaign will be on the area south of the City of Yakima and east of the City of Union Gap, from Goodman Rd to 62nd Ave. The area, located at the base of the Ahtanum Ridge, takes in a northern section of the Yakama Indian Reservation and has earned a reputation as the go-to area to light off fireworks. A fireworks ban in the mid-90’s by Yakima County and many other cities has caused a migration of fireworks users to that area south of Ahtanum Rd. The fireworks users head to the area to buy and use fireworks because of the mistaken belief it is legal to use fireworks on the Yakama Reservation. The reality is much different: only enrolled Yakama members are allowed to possess and use fireworks.