Less than a week before Independence Day fireworks stands began popping up all over Covington and Maple Valley.

Part of the reason is fireworks sales have become a popular fundraiser for non-profit organizations like the Covington Lions Club, which has stepped into the pyrotechnic arena for the first time this year, according to club member Judy Swanberg.

“We picked up some new members so we can do more activities,” Swanberg said. “We decided that this might be a good thing for us.”

Years ago when Swanberg and her husband Al were members of another club, they sold fireworks, “and made good money” for that club.

“We’re hoping for $1,000 or $2,000 (raised from sales) but we don’t really know,” she said. “This is new for us. We’re small and up against some tough competition.”

Covington Lions are selling TNT fireworks, a company that works with non-profits for fundraising, and have a stand in the parking lot near Covington City Hall. Across Southeast 272nd Street is another TNT seller in a large tent.

Fireworks sellers have to get licenses in both cities to serve as vendors, cannot sell to anyone under 16, and all are encouraged to promote fireworks safety to their customers.

At the Lions Club stand they have a tip sheet that says, “Celebrate Safety: It’s Your Responsibility,” as well as a children’s activity book they hand out to customers.

Officials from Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety as well as Kent Fire/Fire District 37 recommend that everyone play it safe and “leave it to the professionals.”

They suggest checking out local fireworks shows open to the public that are handled by pyrotechnic experts such as the Kent Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian or Independence Day Celebration at Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley or if you wish to range a little farther away, there’s the Fireworks Spectacular at Emerald Downs on Friday, Renton’s Fabulous Fourth of July at Gene Coulon Park, among many others, according to Fire District 37 spokesman Capt. Kyle Ohashi.

Ohashi reminds residents that “most fireworks sold on Indian reservations are illegal if taken off the reservation” and even though fireworks are allowed to be sold from June 28 until 11 p.m. on July 4 that setting them off before 9 a.m. on Independence Day is illegal and “enforcement patrols be out prior to July 4” and that fireworks will be confiscated. Violators could be possibly fined.

Fireworks are also not allowed on city or school district property in either city.

Janine Johnson, public education specialist for Maple Valley Fire, said to be aware of noise level of fireworks particularly for children or pets.

“If you choose to use fireworks at home, adult supervision around fireworks is important,” Johnson said. “Only adults should light fireworks and handle matches and lighters. Set family boundaries and talk with children about celebrating safely. Use care in selecting the area for discharge of fireworks, and the type of fireworks appropriate for that area. Weather conditions make grasses and other vegetation dry and vulnerable to fire.”

It’s also best to use fireworks from licensed vendors, keep them out reach of youngsters, keep pets indoors and always keep water handy. Avoid throwing fireworks or holding them in your hand, protect your eyes, light one firework at a time and move away quickly from lit fireworks. And don’t attempt to re-light a “dud.”

It’s also a good idea, according to Ohashi, to keep a garden hose, bucket of water and a shovel on hand.

After you’re done, soak used fireworks in water, don’t litter — clean up used fireworks and store matches and lighters in a safe place.

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