Fewer Places to Buy Fireworks This Year

State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy announced today that the number of retail fireworks stand licenses issued in 2012 is down 4.2 percent, or 39 licenses, from 2011.  A state license is required before a city or county can issue a permit to operate a fireworks stand in Washington.

Licenses are issued by county with Snohomish County seeing the largest drop in retail fireworks stand licenses issued at seven, followed by Pacific County at six and King County at five.

Sales of consumer fireworks begin June 28 at noon and end July 5 at 11:00 p.m.  A number of cities and counties have restricted or banned the sale and discharge of fireworks.  Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction before using fireworks.