10 Ways to Tell if Your Fireworks Are Legal

With the Fourth of July coming up, you might come across some fireworks, either purchased or given to you by someone you know and trust. How do you know if they're legal fireworks, though? Illegal fireworks are always an issue in our area. Here are 10 ways to tell if your fireworks are legal from the Washington State Fire Marshal.

1. They were not purchased from a Washington State licensed fireworks stand
2. They were purchased through an online vendor, mail order, or a listing on Craigslist
3. The person selling you the fireworks tells you they bought it in another state
4. They are not packaged in brightly colored paper
5. They do not have any safety warnings or instructions on the packaging
6. The packaging does not indicate the country of manufacture
7. It resembles a roll of coins with a fuse coming out the side
8. It is wrapped with plain brown paper
9. It is solid red, silver or brown in color
10. It looks homemade:
· Wrapped in electrical tape
· Fuse isn’t taped down

If you happen to come across something like this and know where they are being sold, the fire marshal's office encourages you to contact the local police department.