Legislation includes sparklers

SEATTLE (AP) — A King County Councilmember has proposed banning the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas due to safety concerns and wildfire danger.

Councilmember Joe McDermott introduced the legislation on Thursday, KING-TV reported. He cited a deadly house fire in White Center last Fourth of July and numerous wildfires that have been started by fireworks as some of the main reasons for the ban.

Fireworks are already banned in 25 other jurisdictions in King County, and many fireworks are illegal outside of tribal lands, McDermott said.

The proposed legislation would make the use of any firework illegal, including sparklers. It would not ban property permitted firework displays or affect fireworks on tribal trust lands.

If approved, Washington state law requires a one-year waiting period before the ban could take effect.

The legislation will be referred to committee at the next full council meeting.

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