City urges firework safety amid drought conditions in WA

Published 1:30 am Friday, June 12, 2026

On April 8, the Washington State Department of Ecology declared a statewide drought for the third year in a row. The department made the decision after the Washington State Water Supply Availability Committee (WSAC) declared that the predicted water supply was below “normal” levels across all counties.

In Washington, the drought declaration criteria is defined as water supply that is “less than 75 percent of normal, resulting in undue hardships to water users and the environment,” according to the Department of Ecology’s website.

The City of Auburn is encouraging residents to do what they can to conserve water as the state prepares for a dry summer. Matthew Colpitts, emergency manager for the City of Auburn, said “people are encouraged to … use efficient settings on things when you are washing your dishes or washing your clothes … [and] turn off your water when you’re not using it.”

Additionally, the Auburn Police Department (APD) has started to share their annual reminders that “fireworks are illegal within Auburn city limits, except on reservation land where they are permitted under tribal regulations.”

This is especially important to keep in mind because “with ongoing drought conditions, vegetation will be significantly drier, which increases the risk of accidental fires. A single spark can ignite grass, brush, or nearby structures,” said Sara Morris, spokesperson for the Valley Regional Fire Authority.

Morris also noted that for the City of Auburn, “the discharge of legal consumer fireworks is allowed only on July 4, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.”

A statement from the APD explains that “this restriction is in place to protect public safety, prevent injuries, and reduce the risk of fires that can threaten homes, businesses, natural areas, and critical infrastructure.”

However, if residents choose to set off fireworks at home, Morris reminded that although they “can be enjoyable … they also pose serious risks. Each year, thousands of people sustain injuries that require medical treatment after firework-related injuries, many of them children and young adults. These injuries can include severe burns, eye trauma, loss of limbs, and, in some cases, death.”

Morris also provided a list from the Valley Regional Fire Authority of things to keep in mind if individuals choose to set off fireworks on July 4:

• Only use legal consumer-grade fireworks.

• Have a bucket or hose nearby.

• Do not allow children to handle fireworks under any circumstances and keep them far from all flammable celebration materials.

• Do not use fireworks that appear to be damaged or tampered with.

• Do not consume alcohol while using fireworks.

• Do not point fireworks at others and back away quickly after lighting any fuses.

• Keep fireworks and sparklers away from your body. Sparklers can burn at temperatures above 1,000 degrees.

Morris reminded residents that “if you have any general firework questions, feel free to call the VRFA office at 253-288-5800. Please do not call 911 for firework complaints unless there is an immediate threat to life or property.”