As we approach the July 4th holiday, Marysville's fireworks law is already credited with reducing fireworks-related emergency calls in the city. The Marysville Fire District reminds residents and visitors that all personal fireworks are illegal within city limits. 

Marysville Fire did not respond to a single fireworks-related call within city limits during the 2018 July 4th holiday. That's a reduction from eight incidents in the city during the 2017 holiday, nine incidents in 2016 and 29 fireworks-related incidents in 2015. 

"We thank our residents for celebrating Independence Day safely again this year, without fireworks," Fire Marshal Tom Maloney said. "We can clearly see the fireworks law is working to reduce both fires and injuries in our community." 

The fireworks ban prohibits the use, discharge, sale or trade of any fireworks, including sparklers and "consumer" fireworks, within city limits. Violators face a $513 fine (increased from $257 in 2018) and possible jail time. Any fireworks found will also be confiscated by Marysville Police, who will be conducting extra patrols on and around the July 4th holiday. 

Devices considered "tricks and novelties" under Washington state law are not included in the fireworks ban. These items may include party poppers, snakes and toy caps. Novelty devices contain only a small amount of pyrotechnic composition and are thus not classified as a consumer firework. You can learn more about the difference between fireworks and novelty devices at http://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=212-17-025. 

Residents can report illegal fireworks by calling the non-emergency line at 425-407-3999. We ask that you avoid calling 911 unless there is an immediate threat to life or property, to keep emergency phone lines open. 

For more information on the fireworks ban, visit www.marysvillefiredistrict.org or www.marysvillewa.gov.