Will it Still be Legal to Shoot-Off Fireworks in Moxee This Year?
One of the many reasons I'm so glad that I moved to Moxee to begin a family 16 years ago is because the city mostly leaves us alone. I'm not sure that we've had a single new ordinance passed in over a decade and a half. Moxee trusts its citizens and I'm totally down with that.
Part of that trust is evidenced every Independence Day when Moxee, along with just a few other towns throughout Yakima County, allow for the discharge of fireworks. Over the years, the home shows outdo the display at the fairgrounds in their length and scope.
Moxee is the place to be on the 4th of July if you like pyrotechnics! The number of friends and family that ask my wife and me if they can come to our house to celebrate increases every year -- and for good reason! IT. IS. EPIC! Check out these videos by clicking HERE, HERE, and HERE for proof!
Alas, with COVID-19 restrictions and the Yakama Nation announcing today (June 30) that it will not allow sales of fireworks on the reservation in 2020, along with other towns canceling their shows, you might be wondering if it is still a go in Moxee. In a word, yes!
[*Note - The East Valley High School Softball program is selling fireworks now with City Council blessing. Part of the net proceeds will go to local East Valley businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the shutdown.]
According to a statement posted on the city's official website:
"The City of Moxee is one of the few communities that allow the discharge of legal fireworks on the Fourth of July. Discharging hours are from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM on July 4th only. This notice is intended to provide you with some information you need if you plan to discharge fireworks on the 4th of July.
Be aware that Yakima County is still in Phase 1 which does not allow for social gatherings outside of members of your own household. Governor Inslee has made it mandatory in Yakima County for masks to be worn while out in public along with social distancing of 6 feet due to the high rate of infection.
1. Illegal fireworks are not permitted in the City of Moxee. The possession and/or discharge of illegal fireworks is a crime and punishable by a fine ($350) and a mandatory court appearance. Moxee Police Dept. and East Valley Fire Dept. will be patrolling and violators will be cited. The following are examples of illegal fireworks:
Fire Crackers, Bottle Rockets, Sky Rockets and Missiles
2. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any fireworks within the City of Moxee public areas. This shall include all public parks, public streets and public right-of-ways. It shall be lawful for any citizen that has private property to discharge fireworks on July 4th between 9:00 am and 11:00 pm provided they do not present a danger to citizens and or property.
3. Please pick up and properly dispose of discharged fireworks. Don’t leave your mess for City Crews or for someone else to take care of. Littering is a crime punishable by up to a $250.00 fine.
4. Keep a water hose with a spray nozzle close by. Wet down shrubs and bushes prior to lighting fireworks.
5. Keep a bucket of water near the discharge area and dunk spent fireworks in water before disposal.
6. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch for wind direction and pay attention to not discharge towards your neighbors or spectators.
Please help us preserve this great American tradition by working together to keep our community clean and safe on the Fourth of July."