As Independence Day celebrations near, the Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA) encourages everyone to adopt safe fireworks practices to help prevent fires and injuries.

Attending a public fireworks display is a great alternative to using fireworks to celebrate. Go to www.wsp.wa.gov for a statewide list of fireworks displays and celebrations.

If you decide to use fireworks, the following tips will help prevent injuries and fires:

• Know and follow the fireworks laws in the area you will be discharging them. Go to www.vrfa.org for Algona, Auburn and Pacific fireworks regulations.

• Read and follow all fireworks manufacturer instructions and safety recommendations. • Choose a safe area to discharge them.

• Only adults should discharge fireworks. Keep children and other observers well back from the discharge area. Consider that Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 1,200 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

• Trim any tall grass close to buildings or fences, clean all gutters and the roof. • Move all burnable items away from homes. One stray firework can easily ignite shrubbery or other combustibles.

• Keep garden hoses ready to wet down the discharge area and extinguish small fires. • Have a bucket of water to place discharged fireworks in before disposal.

• Light one item at a time and move away quickly. Maintain a safe distance from fireworks display area.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• Do not approach or try to re-light “duds.” Wait several minutes before disposing in a bucket of water.

Please direct any questions to the VRFA Public Education Division at 253-288-5800 or public.info@vrfa.org.