Fireworks this Fourth of July? Leave it to the professionals, officials urge

Western Washington is extremely dry. And with no rain in sight, the Department of Natural Resources wants everyone to be extra careful this Fourth of July.

Setting off fireworks is a popular tradition this time of year, but before you light up your favorites, officials ask that you check if it’s legal in your area.

RELATED: Before you spark up, know where Western Washington bans fireworks

The sale and use of consumer fireworks are banned in Seattle and in unincorporated King and southwest Snohomish counties. Citations could be issued to violators.

Pierce County has 9 cities with fireworks bans in place, and Snohomish County has 12. This includes Tacoma, and Gig Harbor, along with Edmonds, and Bothell respectively.

Janet Pearce is the communications manager for the Department of Natural Resources. She said the agency protects 13 million acres of forest, and fireworks are always illegal on federal land.

"We really want people to be extremely cautious when lighting any campfire or fireworks," Pearce said.

She added that officials strongly recommend going to see professionally-produced fireworks shows over going the DIY route.

RELATED: Where to see July fireworks shows around Western Washington 2023

"Nobody can put on a show like they do, and then you don't have to worry about cleanup and it's a lot safer," she said.