Fourth of July firework sales and launches can begin at noon Wednesday in Washington state, including in Longview and Kelso.
Permitted fireworks stands can begin making sales at that time and operate until 9 pm on July 5. The Longview Fire Department says licensed stands are the best source for fireworks that are legal in Washington.
In Longview, residents can legally set off fireworks between noon and 11 pm on Wednesday; from 9 am to 11 pm from Thursday through July 3; from 9 am to midnight on July 4; and from 9 am to 11 pm on July 5. Fireworks are not allowed to be set off in city parks.
In Kelso, people can launch fireworks from noon to 9 pm, Wednesday through July 5.
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Cowlitz County said there are three permitted stands on county land this year. Longview Fire Marshal John Dunaway said there are nine licensed fireworks stands in Longview this year.
Dunaway said conditions would get drier over the next week and asked people to avoid lighting fireworks near vegetation. Dunaway said that anyone launching fireworks should be a sober adult, be aware of what the device will do once it’s lit, and soak used fireworks in water overnight to prevent fires.
The Longview Fire Department reports a 44% decrease statewide in fireworks-related fires and injuries in 2022 compared to the year before.
As of Monday afternoon, there were no burning restrictions or additional fireworks limits in Cowlitz County. Lewis County put a burn restriction in place for the unincorporated parts of the county due to the dry conditions and risks posed by burn piles.