County to celebrate Independence Day

Thurston County government offices will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. All offices will reopen for regular business Tuesday, July 5.

The county’s Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) in Lacey will also be closed Monday, July 4, but will reopen for regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 5. Check with your waste disposal company for curbside garbage and recycling collection schedule.

The sale and discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Thurston County is strictly limited:

• Fireworks sales in unincorporated Thurston County: Ends Monday, July 4, at 11 p.m.
• Discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Thurston County: Sunday, July 3, through Monday, July 4, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

“We have had a wet spring, which contributed to the decision of allowing the discharge of consumer fireworks for the residents of unincorporated Thurston County,” says County Manager Ramiro Chavez. “However, the discharge of fireworks is banned in the cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. Please remain aware of where you discharge fireworks. The discharge of fireworks is prohibited in county parks.”

Residents using fireworks this year are urged to have a source of water available, adult supervision, and to never re-light fireworks that did not go off the first time. For more on fireworks, safety and injury prevention, and more, please visit the county’s fireworks webpage. 

“We recognize the national Fourth of July holiday is a celebration of freedom and liberty in the United States, with the discharge of fireworks as an expression of that freedom,” says Joshua Cummings, Thurston County Fire Marshal. “If you plan to discharge fireworks this year, please do so safely and with your neighbors, first responders, and surrounding communities in mind.”

Other county service information for the Independence Day holiday weekend:

• Fire and Police Emergency Services: Call 9-1-1 for emergency police, fire and medic services. Residents are urged to use 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies only. This includes if residents see evidence of a wildfire. 
• Thurston County Sheriff Non-Emergency Services: Residents of unincorporated Thurston County are urged to call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at (360) 704-2740 for noise complaints and complaints about the use of illegal fireworks.

9-1-1 should be used for life-threatening emergencies only.

• County Parks Open: Burfoot Park, Frye Cove Park, Kenneydell Park, and Deschutes Falls Park will be open during regular park hours. The Off-Leash Dog Park at the WARC will also be open during regular park hours. Fireworks are not allowed at any county parks. 
• Intercity Transit: Intercity Transit (IT) operates Sunday-level service on Independence Day, and The IT administrative offices are closed on the holiday. You can find service details and more at: https://www.intercitytransit.com/recoveryservice. If you have questions, please call IT customer service at 360-786-1881 or send an email to customerservice@intercitytransit.com.

Editors' note: The above was sent on June 27, 2022 by the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners.

CORRECTION: July 1, 2022 -- A previous version of this story showed the wrong dates for the sale and use of fireworks in unincorporated portions of the county.  We regret the error.