Be cautious, officials say

Legal fireworks go on sale Saturday in Kent. But fireworks are illegal to use in the city until the Fourth of July.

Fireworks stands can open at noon Saturday. Fireworks can be sold up until 11 p.m. July 4, according to a Kent Fire Department media release.

Most fireworks purchased at Native American reservations are illegal, fire officials said.

The city of Kent only allows legal fireworks to be used between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Fireworks are banned at all times at city parks or on Kent School District property.

Examples of illegal fireworks include firecrackers, sky rockets, bottle rockets, M-80s, M-100s or larger, cherry bombs, tennis balls, pipe bombs and homemade devices.

The legal fireworks include novelties, smoke, sparklers, morning glory, ground spinners, helicopters, parachutes, cones and fountains, Roman candles and wheels.

Kent Police and Fire investigators will patrol and confiscate any fireworks discharged before July 4. They also will confiscate illegal fireworks.

When using fireworks on the Fourth of July, fire officials recommend the following tips to help avoid injuries and fires:

• Always have an adult present when lighting fireworks.

• Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose or fire extinguisher close by.

• Only discharge fireworks in a clear area to minimize the possibility of a fire.

• Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks; move quickly away from fireworks once lit.

• If a firework does not work, wait 30 minutes before approaching; dispose of all discharged fireworks in a bucket of water.

• Call 911 to report illegal fireworks or ones being used in an unsafe manner.

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