Kent Police update about use, reporting of fireworks

Published 11:36 am Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Kent Police posted a reminder on its Facebook page that legal fireworks can only be discharged in Kent from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, the Fourth of July.

Legal fireworks include novelties, smoke, sparklers, morning glory, ground spinners, multi aerials, helicopters, mortars (1¾” or less), parachutes, cones and fountains, roman candles and wheels, according to police.

Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles and sky rockets and are a misdemeanor. Illegal explosive devices or IEDs, such as M80/M100/M1000, cherry bombs, pipe bombs, tennis ball bombs or altered fireworks (like taped sparklers), are a felony. The reckless discharge or reckless use of any firework is a gross misdemeanor.

Also, anyone in Kent who sees illegal fireworks or after-hours fireworks should call 911, according to Kent Police.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office issued a media release on Monday that had incorrect information (as far as the city of Kent is concerned) about calling 911 in connection with the use of illegal fireworks.