Fireworks in county areas allowed, with limits; not in Moses Lake
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 9 months AGO
Columbia Basin Herald file photo The fireworks display at this year's Freedom Fest is still on, despite other activities being canceled.
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | June 19, 2020 12:21 AM
MOSES LAKE — From the beginning, the nation’s birthday has been celebrated with fireworks. Of course, cities have different rules for setting off those fireworks.
Moses Lake is a fireworks-free zone.
“Within the city limits there are no fireworks,” said Fire Marshal Derek Beach.
Anyone who is cited for setting off fireworks in the city is subject to a fine of at least $200, according to the Moses Lake municipal code.
Grant County does allow fireworks in the unincorporated areas. It’s legal to buy them and set them off from June 28 to July 5, according to information on the Grant County Fire Marshal’s website.
People can set off fireworks from noon to 11 p.m. each day, except for July 4, when they are allowed until midnight. Fireworks are not allowed between 9 a.m. and noon any day.
Fireworks are prohibited in some parks, campgrounds and neighborhoods in the unincorporated areas. Prohibited areas include Marine View and Marine View Heights near Potholes Reservoir and Crescent Bar, The Gorge Amphitheatre and The Gorge campground, all near Quincy. Fireworks are prohibited in Desert Aire, south of Mattawa, except in Desert Aire Park.
People who use fireworks in unincorporated areas are required to meet fire prevention regulations. People should be aware of their surroundings and avoid areas with dry grass or dry vegetation. Used fireworks should be soaked in water, and a water source should be available.
Only legal fireworks are allowed. People should be prepared to use them all and not have any left over.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].
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