Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Thurston County Enacts Emergency Ban on Discharge of Consumer Fireworks

June 25, 2021

Contact:
Meghan Porter, Public Information Supervisor, 360-490-0562, or email at meghan.porter@co.thurston.wa.us 

OLYMPIA – Per Thurston County Code 6.68.057, the county manager, after consulting with the fire marshal, or other elected officials as may be deemed appropriate, may prohibit the discharge of consumer fireworks during periods of extreme weather. Due to the dry conditions, the Thurston County Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Thurston County Director of Emergency Services and as delegated by the Thurston County Manager, determined weather conditions have met the fire danger level necessary to enact an emergency ban on the discharge of consumer fireworks in unincorporated Thurston County. 

Multiple sources, including the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, National Weather Service, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, and local fire chiefs were engaged on this decision. 

Extensive rainfall in early June created a large amount of growth in brush and vegetation. This growth is now becoming very dry due to lack of precipitation and projected record setting high temperatures. Dry vegetation is one of the main fuel sources of concern. It can lead to increased fire severity and threaten the lives and property of residents.

“This decision was made to increase the safety for life and property of residents, and in support of our first responders. We recognize that the national Fourth of July holiday is a celebration of freedom and liberty in the United States, with the discharge of fireworks as an expression of that freedom. However, given the current and projected weather conditions we believe this is the right call for our community. Please celebrate safely this Independence Day”, says Joshua Cummings, Thurston County Fire Marshal. 

County service information for the Fourth of July weekend:

  • Fire and Police Emergency Services: Call 9-1-1 for emergency police, fire, and EMS services. Residents are urged to use 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies only. This includes if residents see evidence of a wildfire. 
  • Thurston County Sheriff Non-Emergency Services: Residents of unincorporated Thurston County are urged to call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (360) 704-2740 for noise complaints and complaints about the use of illegal fireworks. 9-1-1 should be used for life-threatening emergencies only.
  • County Parks Open: Burfoot Park, Frye Cove Park, Kenneydell Park, and Deschutes Falls Park will be open during regular park hours. The Off-Leash Dog Park at the WARC will also be open during regular park hours. Fireworks are not allowed at any county park. 

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Board of County Commissioners
Press Release