Age Limit Imposed On Fireworks Sales

No one younger than 16 will be allowed to buy fireworks in Washington state this summer under an agreement between the Washington State Patrol and the fireworks industry.

The new rules, establishing the state’s first age limit for the purchase of fireworks, will be in effect for this year’s Fourth of July season. They don’t apply on tribal lands.

The patrol tried to impose new rules last year, noting that some areas had no age limit. But manufacturers and the charities that raise money by selling fireworks sued to block them from going into effect.

The parties settled their differences earlier this month, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported Wednesday.

“We believe this (rule) creates a good, balanced and fair environment in which clubs and organizations can sell fireworks,” said Jerry Farley, spokesman for the Washington Independence Day Association.

Fire marshals sought the age limit because almost half of the injuries from fireworks involve juveniles under the age of 16, said Capt. Marsh Pugh, a patrol spokesman.

Under the agreement, fireworks stands must post the age limit and buyers will have to show picture identification. Sales to underage buyers will be a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.

The new regulations still allow cities and counties to set more stringent limits on when and what kinds of fireworks can be sold. But local governments are prohibited from setting a lower age limit.