Pullman takes fireworks laws seriously

This fireworks stand in Pullman was busy Wednesday.

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Story Published: Jul 2, 2009 at 3:48 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2009 at 3:48 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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PULLMAN - The ever-shortening fireworks season kicked off Wednesday in Pullman. But no explosions were allowed.

Stands were set up for four days of sales and stand owners said recent city decisions on fireworks certainly haven't helped sales.

But Pullman Police Commander Chris Tennant says the changes needed to be made.

"In 2004 and 2005 Pullman experienced really bad fire seasons," said Tennant, "Lots of fires, we lost a couple houses, and they were all tied to fireworks. So in 2006, the city council passed a new fireworks ordinance, and they spent a lot of time on it trying to find a compromise, instead of a total ban."

Since, Tennant said they haven't had another fire. But the legal amount of time to shoot off fireworks is down to just two days this year.

"It's July 3rd and 4th, Friday and Saturday, from 9:00 in the morning on Friday til 11:00 at night, and again at 9:00 in the morning Saturday to midnight Saturday," he said.

Tennant says anything bought within the city limits is legal to shoot off. That does not include bottle rockets and firecrackers.

Police won't hesitate to write a ticket for using illegal fireworks. Tennant says it's always about safety, especially with your kids.

"We all grew up with sparklers, but most of the small children burns are caused by sparklers. They are legal, they're perfectly fine, but just make sure you have a lot of parental supervision."

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