GRANT COUNTY — Fireworks have been the cause of six injuries and 10 accidental fires in Grant County so far in 2019, according to data released Monday by the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
It’s just a drop in the bucket of the more than 300 injuries and fires caused in Washington during the same time period, of which 297 occurred between June 28 and July 5, the legal sales and discharge period for consumer fireworks.
Another small spike in incidents occurs near New Year’s, according to a spokesperson for the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
The majority of injuries were caused by individuals holding fireworks while they were lit or standing too close to fireworks once they were lit, according to a press release.
“Although the sales and discharge period for consumer fireworks in Washington has concluded for this season, the SFMO would like to remind residents to enjoy consumer fireworks in safe and responsible ways to avoid injuries and fires,” the agency wrote.
King, Pierce and Snohomish counties collectively made up almost half of the statewide incidents, with 50 incidents reported for King County, 50 reported for Pierce County, and 49 reported for Snohomish County during the same time period.
The state Fire Marshal’s Office noted that the data only includes reported incidents, and said that though agencies are encouraged to provide the state agency with accurate data, they are not required to report fireworks-related incidents.
