Full Text
1049 State Ave. Marysville, Washington 98270 (360) 363-8086 web: marysvillewa.gov Executive News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer Phone: (360) 363-8086 Cell: (425) 754-3641 [EMAIL REDACTED] Robb Lamoureux, Police Commander (360) 363-8313 [EMAIL REDACTED] June 15, 2012 Discharge of legal fireworks in City of Marysville limited to July 4 only; police plan to actively issue more citations to violators in 2012 MARYSVILLE – Marysville officials wish residents a safe and happy Independence Day holiday, but remind that if legal “safe and sane”-style fireworks are a part of your family and friends’ celebration, you must follow local laws. In Marysville, discharging fireworks is only allowed from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Marysville police this summer are stepping up their enforcement efforts to defuse the fireworks problem before it gets out of hand. Police will cite people caught with illegal fireworks between now and the holiday weekend, as well as individuals who ignite any fireworks outside of July 4th and the permitted hours. Under state law, possession or discharge of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to a year in jail and a mandatory court appearance. Inside Marysville city limits, current laws state that legal fireworks, those typically defined as Class C or “safe and sane,” may only be sold from noon-11 p.m. on June 28 and from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. June 29-July 4. Police can issue criminal citations to violators or civil citations - similar to a standard ticket. Marysville fireworks laws carry heavy penalties: * A civil infraction (fine) in an amount up to $500 may be issued by police instead of a criminal citation. * The criminal misdemeanor fine consistent with the standard state penalty of an amount not to exceed $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1049 State Ave. Marysville, Washington 98270 (360) 363-8086 web: marysvillewa.gov * Gross misdemeanor offenses carry a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a year in jail. * A person with 3 or more civil infractions within a two-year time period to be cited for a misdemeanor. Civil infractions allow officers to spend more time on the streets responding to fireworks complaints, and less time processing criminal citation paperwork, Police Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux says. Safety of individuals and property is our utmost concern, Lamoureux says. “Use caution and follow safety rules for responsible use of fireworks,” he says. “Illegal fireworks in particular pose a public safety and medical threat, and they have the potential to cause property damage in the Marysville area.” City officials also urge 4th of July holiday revelers to clean up their fireworks after they’ re finished. “After you light it up, clean it up,” says Doug Buell, Community Information Officer. “ Discarded fireworks the days after the 4th are a neighborhood eyesore, and smoldering, spent fireworks can still pose a fire hazard if not discarded properly.” For more information visit the City fireworks web page at http://marysvillewa.gov/index.aspx?nid=362. The site also includes information about illegal fireworks, as well as valuable safety tips.