FOLLOWUP: Fireworks ban? No, say state officials – ‘not a current statewide fire emergency’

Two days ago, we reported on a petition drive in which community advocates in two areas of urban unincorporated King County, including North Highline (White Center and vicinity), asked for an emergency ban on fireworks. County leaders said they don’t have the authority to do anything immediate, but the state does; we finally got a chance today to inquire with the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Deputy Fire Marshal Lysandra Davis replied, saying that only the governor has that authority, but that calling for one isn’t warranted right now. Here’s the entire reply:

Our office has received numerous inquiries on this matter, and we value and appreciate each and every one.

Because Washington is a Home Rule State, legislative authority to limit or prohibit the sale, purchase, possession, and/or use of consumer fireworks is only granted to city, municipal, and county governments. However, any ordinance adopted by a county or city has an effective date no sooner than one year after its adoption, per RCW 70.77.250 (4). Because State Fireworks Law does not provide the SFMO or any other local jurisdiction/agency the authority to temporarily ban
fireworks, even on an emergency basis, it is unlawful to do so.

The only person with the authority to issue a temporary ban on fireworks sales/usage is Governor Jay Inslee. This would be done through a State of Emergency Proclamation which normally prohibits activities that the Governor reasonably believes should be prohibited to help preserve and maintain life, health, property or public peace. In the past, when emergency proclamations have been issued during heavy wildland fires (usually occurring mid-July to August), fireworks usage and sales were already prohibited by State Fireworks Law.

The current burn ban that is in effect only applies to state forests, state parks and forestlands under Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire protection, including Department of Fish and Wildlife lands; it does not include cities, municipalities and/or counties. This ban prohibits outdoor burning and fireworks and incendiary devices (which are never legal on DNR-protected forestlands).

While these drought conditions we are facing may be unprecedented, there is not a current statewide fire emergency that would warrant the Governor to declare a State ban on fireworks.

What I can assure you of is that the State Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to promoting fire safety and injury prevention year round with our Celebrate Safely and Legally campaign — emphasizing “personal responsibility,” especially during these extremely dry weather conditions.

Fireworks are illegal in Seattle, but will be on sale, legally, in unincorporated King County starting this Sunday, where the law allows their use 9 am-midnight on July 4th.

44 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Fireworks ban? No, say state officials - 'not a current statewide fire emergency'"

  • Ray June 26, 2015 (2:47 pm)

    Good news. I look forward to sharing these with my nieces and nephews.

  • Robert June 26, 2015 (3:18 pm)

    Seems like every block in West Seattle has “that one neighbor” that just has to do fireworks each 4th.

  • Good insurance June 26, 2015 (4:21 pm)

    And when your illegal fireworks burn people’s homes down and cost them their lives, I hope you have good insurance and an even better criminal defense attorney. They are illegal and our area is tinder-dry. If your little expression of pyrotechnics is worth risking that, by all means do your thing, Ray.

    It’s illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous, but you already know that and will do it anyway…for your”nieces and nephews”.

    I’ll be in the yard hosing down the place to prevent ignition.

    Take those kids to a big fireworks show. Vashon has an awesome one.

  • unclesam June 26, 2015 (4:55 pm)

    live a little people its only a few days outta the year relax and enjoy your holiday do some bbqing and celebrate freedom if you dont like it go somewhere and get outta town for the night or week or whatever.. This is America!!! we cant just ban everything we dont like!!

  • Chris Bast June 26, 2015 (5:48 pm)

    I don’t understand the comment to live a little. It’s illegal in Seattle and is only legal in King County for a limited time on one day. It’s illegal for a reason. The blatant flaunting of the law and the disregard for neighbors, the environment, public health and safety, and the noise/explosion sensitive in a dense environment is a sad expression of community.

  • Ray June 26, 2015 (6:25 pm)

    Not everyone that reads WSB lives IN WS. It is not illegal to buy or use where I live, but thank you all for your concern. I do not tell you what can/cannot do, so I appreciate that you also mind your own business.
    Disappointed that WSB lets snarky comments like “It’s illegal, inconsiderate and dangerous, but you already know that and will do it anyway…for your”nieces and nephews”.

  • West Seattle Hipster June 26, 2015 (6:40 pm)

    Nothing to worry about folks, I am sure that all of our good neighbors igniting illegal fireworks will do so in a safe, sober, and responsible manner. *end sarcasm.

    .

    I wonder if neighborhoods like Laurelhurst and Magnolia will have the same issues we will in West Seattle around July 4?

  • :) June 26, 2015 (6:59 pm)

    Last time I checked piracy was illegal, but for some reason West Seattle seems to condone the practice and it will be celebrated tomorrow when the pirates land on the shores of Alki. I for one hope that the Seattle police choose to enforce the anti-piracy laws that are in place to protect the citizenry… Happy 4th!

  • Snowflake June 26, 2015 (7:45 pm)

    Ray, when you shoot a flaming thing into my yard in the name of your freedom and fun it is my business.

  • Mike June 26, 2015 (8:23 pm)

    Burn my house, you go with it.

  • cheeseyP June 26, 2015 (8:52 pm)

    I live in the Gatewood area. I have a very sweet dog, a shepard/chow mix that is 14 years old. For me, the 4th of July is the worst time of the year because of her panic, fear and anxiety. It is a truly awful time of year for her and takes longer for her to recover as she gets older. I grew up in a state (Minnesota) where fireworks were completely illegal and I do not understand why they are not here. We take the dog to the basement and even with all windows shut and music or TV on very loud it does not help. I am usually up all night with her just trying to calm her down. I don’t understand why my neighbors do not consider others when they light fireworks off in the street and I wish the Seattle police would enforce the law that is on the books. Sorry to be a negative Nancy but to watch what she goes through every year is truly heartbreaking.

  • Fire Worker June 27, 2015 (2:33 am)

    cheeseyP, get your dog some valium (seriously, ask your vet).

    Given that the holiday is celebrating individual liberty, we can’t be that surprised that some people actually want to exercise their freedoms: whether the city/county line puts them on the right side of the law or not. Mr. Bast, by your logic – it’s also LEGAL for a reason on the 4th.

    In 2013 in the U.S. there were:
    8 firework-related fatalities.
    23 from lightning strikes (lowest year on record!)
    32 from dog bites.
    32,719 from car accidents (also a low year).

    Statistically, all you have to worry about is minor property damage that’s covered by insurance. Get over yourself – or go complain about the need to ban lightning, dogs, cars, &c.

    • WSB June 27, 2015 (3:35 am)

      If you’re looking at statistics, you might also want to consider, found on the National Fire Protection Association website http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/fireworks
      .

      Fireworks by the numbers

      In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.

      In 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for fireworks related injuries; 55% of 2014 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head.

      The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14.

      On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

      Last year we kept a log of how 4th of July played out on the scanner:
      .
      https://westseattleblog.com/2014/07/west-seattle-4th-of-july-2014-notes-as-the-night-proceeds

  • :) June 27, 2015 (7:27 am)

    WSB, your article from last year certainly points out crime and assault, but I’m not really seeing anything that calls out someone’s house on fire. It does mention @ “12:52 AM: Much quieter out there; so far, no major incidents in West Seattle, though police and fire have been plenty busy.” Reading that, not really sure what all the fuss is about. It really reads like a typical warm weekend night on Alki. Most commenting on these articles are talking about the potential for their personnel property being damaged by someone else’s fireworks, but your article wouldn’t seem to give credence to that concern. Just saying…

  • miws June 27, 2015 (10:02 am)

    Fire Worker, do you have any stats on how many of those that are setting off fireworks in “….celebrating individual liberty….” are truly doing so?

    .

    Here is a scenario that I have long speculated, would be the rule, more than the exception, if someone were to go around interviewing folks setting off fireworks illegally:

    Interviewer:” Hi, are you celebrating individual liberty?”

    Illegal Fireworks Setteroffer:“Damn straight, Bro! Say, while yer right there, wouldja grab me ‘nother can o’ Bud, and ‘nother bottle rocket?” *Bellllllccchhhhh!*

    .

    Mike

  • KT June 27, 2015 (10:40 am)

    How does concern about the potential for a fire starting in these incredibly dry conditions go to a discussion of “freedom” and “banning everything we don’t like”? Jeez.

  • Carol Case June 27, 2015 (11:55 am)

    My calendar has only one day designated as the 4th of July. But the 4th of July is celebrated for one full week in Kelso and Longview. It is a tradition I am told. Time to go back to the original tradition and celebrate the 4th of July for just one day. No other holiday goes on for a week. This is ridiculous. Grow up people – pay your mortgage, feed and clothe your kids and quit spending thousands of dollars on fireworks. Boom, boom boom from 29 June through July 5 will drive people and animals nuts. The celebrations start in June, which has no relationship to the 4th of July. Get a grip and give your neighbors, both human and animals some consideration and courtesy. Ban fireworks at private residences, especially when the fire hazard is so high. The Daily News prints an article about a burn ban right next to the schedule for setting off fireworks for 7 days. What’s wrong with this picture? This 7 day celebration pisses me off and the fire hazards scare me to death.

  • rob June 27, 2015 (12:31 pm)

    as far as calming your dog we put ours in the back room with tv turned up also your vet will gladly sell you doggie valum. Also when people say they are illegal in seattle they are right. but speeding and running stop signs an red lights are also illegal and also cause death and despair so what are you gonna do

  • Sharon June 27, 2015 (6:55 pm)

    The only sympathetic parties in this whole fireworks debate are the Native Americans who supplement their generally meager income by selling these awful “products”. There must be some way to address this aspect. Fire is only one threat, the most obvious additional one is bodily injury, but at least that typically (though not always) impacts the individuals engaging in the activity. There’s also the matter of noise, with many owners of pets and even livestock having to deal with the stress this causes their animals, even to the point of having to sedate them. Add to that the SMELL. Most of this junk comes from China. Plenty of evidence that you have to be very careful even with food products from that part of the world, with things like lead appearing in cereals, hepatitis outbreaks from Chinese frozen berries, etc. Given that, it’s not hard to imagine what toxic junk is likely present in the smoke, fumes and fragments given off by these fireworks. To those 2-digit-IQ’ers who lament that “the fourth just wouldn’t be the fourth” without individuals setting off all manner of explosions, I have just one thing to say. For god’s sake GROW UP!

  • Kaelina June 27, 2015 (7:25 pm)

    Wow. To claim that you have to have a double digit IQ to want to set of fireworks is quite the pompous and self-righteous statement. To tell people to grow up for it is also utterly unnecessary. Not to mention the horrible condescension towards Native Americans and their “meager incomes.”

    Just because someone doesn’t feel the same way as you doesn’t mean they are inconsiderate, unintelligent hooligans. I am a tax-payer, a homeowner, and an animal owner, and not once have I ever felt the need to state that others should abide by my ideas of how to live their individual lives.

  • West Seattle Hipster June 27, 2015 (8:48 pm)

    I also take issue with the claim about folks with “double digit IQ’s” who enjoy setting off fireworks.

    .

    I would think it is more like single digit IQ’s.

  • Jeanie June 27, 2015 (9:50 pm)

    Could the governor please declare a state of emergency this year? And maybe stop selling the local ones next year and thereafter? Folks who love their fireworks can go see the public ones. We folk living in unincorporated King County usually have them going off the week before. The actual day is like a warzone here around Liberty High School. I called the fire marshall in King and he said all the local groups want their money making fireworks – boo hoo. We had a dog who was so calm UNTIL the fireworks – we got animal tranquilizers but she was so red in the eyes and pathetic. We always stay home still as our daughter suffers from panic attacks during the fireworks time – nothing has helped, tried everything. Get rid of them folks!

  • miws June 27, 2015 (10:15 pm)

    Ah, wonderful!!

    .

    The individual liberty celebrators are already celebrating their individual liberty in my neighborhood! Just when I was planning on going to bed!

    .

    Mike

  • LLH June 28, 2015 (1:00 pm)

    Last year, one of the deaths from fireworks was a 14 year old boy in my extended family, an innocent bystander. Anyone who had met Travis would be ashamed to make light of the statistics. He was an amazing kid. The same year that there were 8 deaths from fireworks as mentioned in a comment above (2013), there were also 11,400 injuries, mostly to children and teens, many of them devastating. It’s a day to celebrate, but we have to find a better way.

  • Valarie June 28, 2015 (1:02 pm)

    As seems to so often be the case among those who define LIBERTY solely by the quantity of GUNPOWDER involved, your FREEDOM to do something STUPID stops at the point it impacts others. That’s right, there are OTHER PEOPLE on this planet, not just YOU! You know, as in that old “Your freedom to swing your fist stops at my nose” saying. We’re not talking about people protesting your right to sit in your living room playing cards or the like. According to Snohomish County Fire District 1 Board Chair David Chan, since 2005, fireworks have caused more than $3.25 million in property loss in that district alone, displacing 15 households from their places of residence. The district plans to have 2 additional engine companies in service on the 4th (what about their FREEDOM to have the night off?), simply to cope with the fire related consequences of CHILDREN ALL AGES exercising their fireworks “FREEDOM”. And that’s not even addressing the huge number of added ER visits this activity causes, not to mention the just plain annoyance of having to sit in your house with the windows shut during the hottest time of the year, to avoid the place reeking like a bad Jr. High chemistry class sulfur experiment. You’d have to be an idiot to suggest that’s an acceptable cost for something so unnecessary. Only a VERY SMALL percentage of the population shoots off “personal” fireworks. The VAST majority of us HATE THIS. But, given that there’s GUNPOWDER involved, I guess the opinion, let alone the LIBERTY of the majority, once again, is of no concern.

  • Mike N June 28, 2015 (9:34 pm)

    Every year we have flying exploding rockets over our house from neighbors up the hill. We usually enjoy watching them and have little concern, even though we often have to clean up the burnt remains from our property the next day. Last year we also witnessed a structure fire that was about a mile away (on Genesee Hill), but we still weren’t too concerned for our own property.

    This year is completely different. This is not your usual Seattle climate this year. Look at the 10 day forecast.

    http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/l/Seattle+WA+USWA0395:1:US

    This year, I hope that our neighbors will refrain. I’m a little worried that there will be a structure fire in my neighborhood. If there was an emergency ban, I’d support it.

  • EX Mays Pond Resident June 29, 2015 (7:48 am)

    On July 4th last year, in our new home in Mukilteo, for the first time in 14 years, after selling our home in a small community in Bothell (unincorporated Snohomish county), my wife, kids, and precious german shepherd watched the sunset, relaxed, and enjoyed the quiet in our fireworks-free neighborhood. Getting our family out of that war zone, which begins about a month (even before it was legal to buy fireworks) prior to the 4th of July and New Years Eve was the best decision we have ever made, even though we took a loss on the house. This crap about how anyone is infringing the enjoyment of the holiday is just that–CRAP. Why is being concerned about your neighbor’s families, pets (not to mention the VETERANS who suffer from PTSD which never seems to be addressed) from noise, smoke, and general thug-like behavior from the immense amount of alcohol that seems to be necessary to have large scale home fireworks shows, infringing on anything? Individual rights should NEVER take precedence over the safety and well being of others in a shared environment. We didn’t want to give up our home, but the insensitivity of our neighbors and the dangerous behaviors exhibited by more and more people who turned the area into a dangerous, war-like zone, was enough just twice year for us to sell up and run away. Why county officials can’t see that, especially in a drought like situation such as we are experiencing, someone is going to be hurt, die or lose their home and a temporary ban is absolutely necessary, is beyond me. We escaped. But my empathy is with everyone that has to deal with the massive explosions; loud thudding parties; unending noise; and massive cleanup in their neighborhood. It was worth it to us to get out. You can’t fix stupid, and I direct that at the elected officials and councils who should know that they are holding a live grenade in their hands, especially with the conditions in which we are in–BAN FIREWORKS IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS.

  • Linda June 29, 2015 (2:15 pm)

    Don’t know which law Douglas County is using based on your research, but…

    https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2015/jun/29/douglas-county-bans-fireworks-cities-call-voluntary-ban/

    Douglas County Fire Marshal Brian Brett imposed the fireworks ban on Monday, effective immediately and extending through the July 4 holiday. Under state law, a fire marshal may enact such a ban during times of extreme fire danger.

    While fire crews were battling to save homes from the advancing Sleepy Hollow Fire Sunday night, fireworks caused a brush fire that threatened a home on South Mission Street. Neighbors used hoses to put the fire out because no firefighters were available.

  • sam-c June 29, 2015 (2:33 pm)

    Fire Worker- Do you know where I can get some valium for a 7 year old? (or do you know the correct dosage for OTC sleeping pills so he could at least go to bed before 3 am ?)

  • F June 29, 2015 (5:28 pm)

    Dear EX Mays Pond Resident,

    We live in Mays Pond now and July 4th is an absolutely nightmare here. The Snohomish County Council refuses to help us. We are completely defenseless. I envy you and completely understand why you left. We plan to get out at the earliest opportunity. With browning trees, close quarters, a homeowners association that sides with the noise-aggressors, and incompetent/uncaring county officials, the stage is set for disaster here. We hope to survive Saturday without major damage, but our chances are low and dropping by the day.

  • anonyme June 30, 2015 (2:43 pm)

    Valarie – you go, girl!

    I,for one, am tired of being a helpless victim. I’m thinking of some ways we can begin to deal with this problem as citizens and individuals, given the fact that our city, county, and state officials are completely WORTHLESS. They are so terrified that one freaking lawbreaker might label them as unpatriotic that they would rather see others burn in their homes.

    I’ll be posting some ideas in the Forum soon. Not a solution, just a beginning – but we have to start somewhere.

  • F June 30, 2015 (5:09 pm)

    anonyme and Valerie, I agree with you.

    To add to your comments, given the publicly funded resources that fireworks usage too often draws on — from hospital staff time and materials, to firefighting time and equipment, to increased pressure on animal shelters — it’s obvious that this special interest group is receiving services that are unavoidably paid for by all of us. Public expenditures for these services over and above the norm would not be required if it were not for fireworks users. Not only are we victimized by them, we are paying for the privilege via our taxes, of which they get an oversized share. It’s essentially a July 4th surtax, which we’re forced to pay.

  • Ed June 30, 2015 (9:19 pm)

    Most of the homes in my neighborhood, including mine, have cedar shake roofs. About four years ago a home in my neighborhood was destroyed on July 4th due to fireworks.

    I’ve had smoldering bottle rockets, launched from three houses away, land on my shake roof in the past.

    On any other day of the year that could be called attempted arson. But on the 4th it’s acceptable, with just a verbal warning from the police.

    My observation is that because other cities have banned fireworks, families travel to my town on July 4th to combine their fireworks with relatives.

    You would think cities could put on free fireworks shows for the amount they spend on extra police and fire service on the 4th.

    I smell corruption. Who’s willing to investigate and follow the money?

  • phil dirt July 1, 2015 (6:00 am)

    Hi Valerie, I have to agree with you. It’s too dangerous, especially this year, to be shooting off fireworks. However, I really like the smell of the GUNPOWDER. I’m sorry you are so bothered by the smell of freedom.

  • Gary Kaufman July 1, 2015 (8:20 am)

    The DID IT in Douglas County, so lets make it happen county by county by county…..https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2015/jun/29/douglas-county-bans-fireworks-cities-call-voluntary-ban/

  • Katharine Kramer July 1, 2015 (2:16 pm)

    Let’s ban them where I live in a very parched, rural Thurston County. It’s a dangerous environment out here!

  • Reimi July 1, 2015 (9:23 pm)

    I had a neighbor who started the fireworks in June & didn’t stop till August. He’d startle my grandmother awake by day, terrify the cats & the neighbor’s chickens for 3 solid months, & wake the rest of us up at night. We were always afraid he’d blow his hand off or catch a tree on fire.

    Another thing King County should do is some crowdfunding to rebuild the pier in the Des Moines/Federal Way area. Totally devastated the property values near Salty’s.

  • European American July 2, 2015 (9:57 am)

    State Ban…long overdue. For those who need the fireworks to celebrate “freedom”, send them to Afghanistan.

  • Laura July 2, 2015 (7:15 pm)

    Actually the concern with the long duration of high temps and structure fires is very scary. We live in Sunrise Heights and when the 3 house fire happened a while back we were seeing some debris floating into our yard. That is a long distance. It wouldn’t take much. Just saying. Praying for our firefighters, I am sure they wish they were off duty.

  • Linda July 4, 2015 (3:08 pm)

    Check out Inslee’s Facebook page – comments running 99% against his claim he has no power to ban fireworks. I was hung up on RCW 38.52. It should have been the one listed below. Anyway the AG should have known.

    Taken from a comment by L. Lisa
    Those that say he “can’t ban them” are wrong.

    Section 1 (g) clearly states that he can…

    “The sale, purchase or dispensing of other commodities or goods, as he or she reasonably believes should be prohibited to help preserve and maintain life, health, property or the public peace;”

    I guess he just doesn’t want to piss off the special interests that donate to his campaigns/projects.

    http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=43.06.220
    RCW 43.06.220: State of emergency — Powers of governor pursuant to proclamation.
    (1) The governor after proclaiming a state of emergency and prior to terminating such, may, in the area described by the proclamation issue an order prohibiting: (a) Any person being on the public streets, or in the public parks, or at any other public place during the hours declared by the gove…

  • Elizabeth July 5, 2015 (12:35 pm)

    I understand that some of you feel that your personal liberties are being violated if a ban occurred, but have you considered the personal liberties of others? I love fireworks and try to see a show every year. But last night I was flat out mortified at the blatant disregard of my neighbors for other people and the law. I endured nearly four and a half hours of constant bangs, pops, and whistles. A ton of debris landed in my yard posing a potential health hazard to my service animals. My eighty year old, very ill mother nearly had to be taking by ambulance to the hospital for anxiety. Seriously, she was having chest pains. My autistic son was hiding in a closet the entire time and even my well trained service dogs couldn’t take it after the two hour mark.

    Not to mention the fact we have a very dry area right now due to the drought! Your personal liberties do not justify destroying another person’s property or eradicating their personal liberties to enjoy a day off HOW THEY CHOOSE! you are imposing your will on them. My family being quiet is not imposing anything on you. You can celebrate by having friends over, listening to music at an appropriate level, and enjoying a public fireworks display. Your personal liberties are not violated by this in any way. The ban is to keep neighborhoods safe and people safe…

    To those claiming we need to lighten up and have fun or we don’t like freedom because we don’t like a certain smell? REALLY? It is SOOOO much fun to watch your only remaining parent nearly die of a heart attack and your beloved child screaming and crying in terror!!!! OH and for those of you that are not severe asthmatics, of course nearly dying from an attack because of your fireworks’ smell is not a concern of YOURS. Who cares if you MURDER innocent people trying to live FREE too.

  • Nancy July 6, 2015 (8:24 am)

    I will gladly sign any petition against non-professional firework displays and vote for any politician who campaigns against them. It’s idiotic to recreate Baghdad every year in neighborhoods where folks should feel safe. I live in Mill Creek, where fireworks are banned, but Mays Pond is nearby. Every year I fume as loud explosions of illegal fireworks keep me awake past 1 AM. This year I walked over there to identify the culprits. I found too many to count and saw little kids running and playing near the explosives! What low-life parents. Most of the explosives I saw were illegal. IDIOTS!!!

  • Dave McKinney July 6, 2015 (7:55 pm)

    There is a law concerning discharge of fireworks on public streets, sidewalks or letting them pass from your property onto public streets. I found this on the Snohomish County Sheriffs web page. I typed in “Snohomish County Fireworks” then went to the Snohomish County Sheriffs Fireworks page. They have a flyer that can be printed. On the left hand side there is a list of illegal item. In my case, I did not find this out until after the 4th. My neighbor, when shown this, said they won’t enforce it. I spoke with a Sheriff who said they would. More than that he said that I should have call when I feared for my trees which hang over my house and cars. He also gave me information for my qwest find the rcw for this law and post it on my property. Then I am going to find a way to convince the county to allow posting of official signs in problem areas. The Fire Commissioners lost on the Ban,but with other concerned agencies we maybe able to accomplish signage. My intention is not to fine, but to head off the illegal use of public streets, culdisacs, and sidewalks. Also, I intend to inform the homeowners and the tenant/landlords of the rcw. Landlords take dim veiw of tenants that have complaints file against their tenants.
    We have rights. Let’s use them calmly with the law. Yelling and confrontation usually won’t bring they results you are looking for. I was exhausted from watering every thing down. Next year I would like to sit in my chair and relax. I forgot to mention, we did have a fire 200 Ft from my door the other direction. They narrowly saved the house. The fire department had three others calls while they finished the rescue that the neighbors helped get out. My neighbors started right up again after the fire department left. They said “only idiots start fires”.Then they set off 5 mortars at once, 5 people lighting them and running back. I have a video of fireworks going, I’m guessing, 200′ in the air and showering sparks and debri over my tallest trees.

  • Carol Grimes July 11, 2015 (10:03 am)

    I am working with a group of people from King county, we all have many of the concerns that you have regarding this issue, it seems to me that it was worse this year than many. The dry conditions should have been enough for the Governor to put a ban this year. If you would like to help me and others fight this, and get these fireworks banned from King county. Please let me know. I look at it this way, if there is a “fire” ban, fireworks should be included. The firework manufacturing company’s are each year coming out with bigger and higher, more dangerous fireworks, there has been many injuries, property damage, pet problems as well as loss of life. This needs to be stopped.

Sorry, comment time is over.