Fire Chiefs from around King County are urging citizens to attend one of the many professional public fireworks displays during the Fourth of July weekend. Prolonged dry weather and below average spring rainfall have prompted premature grass and vegetation growth, creating more fuel nearly six weeks earlier than normal.

There are dozens of professional fireworks displays all over the Puget Sound region.

Last year in King County fire agencies responded to nearly 200 fire calls with 82 of them related to fireworks, as reported in the 2014 Washington State Fire Marshal report.

“In 2009 we had similarly dry weather before the Fourth and fire agencies had 302 fireworks related fires,” said Dave Nelson, spokesperson. “With this Fourth on a weekend, we expect a similar number of calls. People can reduce the potential of fireworks related fires by attending a public display. And those who choose to light fireworks follow the three B’s – Be Prepared, Be Safe, and Be Responsible.”

All kinds of fireworks can cause injuries. Last year around the State, 158 injuries (57 percent) were caused by legal fireworks and 66 by illegal fireworks. Of the illegal fireworks, homemade devices accounted for 35 percent of the injuries. Most of these injuries were either burns or trauma to the head/face or arms/hands.

Retail fireworks are on sale through July 4 and discharging, in those communities that allow fireworks, are limited to July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

All fireworks are illegal within Renton City limits. The city is hosting a professional display at 10 p.m. July 4 at Coulon Park.

-from a press release