West Seattle 4th of July 2015: Night notes

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(Video sent Saturday night by Bradi, with the sound of fireworks in Roxhill area)
11:23 PM: Throughout the day, we’ve published standalone reports on incidents including “brush fires” blamed on fireworks. For the rest of the night, barring a major incident, we’re going to do what we did last year – keep a rolling log of what we’re hearing on the scanner and/or from reader reports. Earlier links, for starters:

*Sylvan Way brush fire, blamed on fireworks thrown from car
*Gatewood tree burned, blamed on fireworks

And remember, if you find or lose a pet, the WSB Lost/Found Pets page is the place to check first – if there’s no match, e-mail us info (and a photo if available), editor@westseattleblog.com – it’s been a very busy night there already.

11:55 PM: Shortly after this comment about traffic on Admiral leaving Alki, we’re hearing police trying to catch a hit-run suspect described as driving erratically on eastbound Admiral (didn’t catch the cross-street).

12:14 AM: In the Alki area, police are checking out a report that someone was being yelled at about their fireworks by a neighbor, with an implied threat of a weapon.

12:54 AM: Just heard Engine 37 go by – the 911 log says it’s en route to a “dumpster fire” at Lincoln Park.

2:37 AM: Since last we wrote, another “brush fire” call – 4800 block of 45th SW at 1:30 am.

8:55 AM POSTSCRIPT: If you were one of the many caring neighbors out cleaning up debris this morning and took any photos, please consider sending: editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks.

1:16 PM: We’re still collecting debris photos for a followup later today. Meantime, we just received this photo of the aftermath from the aforementioned 1:30 am brush-fire call:

The photo was sent by the homeowner’s parent. “Hard to believe it wasn’t intentional as it was a large fountain-type device thrown into the bushes next to her van, and there were no other fireworks in the area.”

westsider July 4, 2015 (11:41 pm)

The line of cars leaving Alki is as long as I have ever seen it–from Calif/Admiral down to Schmitz Park. There are some stupid drivers who are using the middle turn lane as an extra eastbound driving lane. Really dangerous.

HP Gal July 4, 2015 (11:45 pm)

Though milder than in years’ past, Highland Park is REALLY loud right now. Ugh. Love my neighbors so much but… Maybe only 364 days a year ;)

Jim P. July 4, 2015 (11:53 pm)

I had the impression the PD was going to be extra vigilant this year and respond to fireworks complaints? Considering I live about a mile from the West Seattle precinct, the entire area sounds like a freaking war zone.

They could have a couple of officers just walk around some of the park and wooded areas here and probably bust a dozen people.

Funrunner July 5, 2015 (12:10 am)

Well I’ve made up my mind to just put up with this every year, much as I hate it all. No matter; but tell you what: the air around here is unbreathable right now. The noise pollution hurts my ears and scares countless animals. Fires are set and hands blown off. I see all these poor folks spending serious $$ on this Chinese crap. And most people are cool with this. But don’t talk to me about Shell when you fill the air with crap, don’t complain about 1%ers when you waste your money on drivel and don’t whine about the Chinese buying up property when buying arm loads of fireworks.

Wallace July 5, 2015 (12:16 am)

Fireworks will always be around. Even though I lease a place here, it’s what I have called home for the past two years. I think it’s pretty ride of visitors to throw explosives out of their cars mad they make their way up Admiral. My dog has a hard enough time dealing with those folks that blow fireworks closer to or on the beach. There’s always those people in on Hanford or on 57th ave SW that love to blow 15-20 HUGE Explosions. One after another. BOOM. BOOM. BOOM!!!
I don’t appreciate the fireworks nearer by, because my dog is panting and sweating she hates this day

Diana July 5, 2015 (12:17 am)

Yeah, Lincoln Park sounds like a war zone too. It’s after midnight. I guess the police just can’t be bothered.

KB July 5, 2015 (12:20 am)

People are still launching loud-as-heck fireworks in the street, setting off our house alarm and scaring the bejeezus out of our cat. I wish people would be more respectful of their neighbors, especially with these dangerously huge fireworks. (Genessee area)

Emily July 5, 2015 (12:20 am)

Within that long line of cars leaving alki, someone either threw a firework out the window or set one off in the parking strip. Set our front shrubbery on fire. We are fine as is the house. The shrub … not so much.

jissy July 5, 2015 (12:29 am)

Seems like a VERY bad idea but someone is/was setting off those sky fire lanterns from Lowman Beach or a dock off Lowman…. flew right up and over Lincoln park. Who are these people without a brain?

Ashley A July 5, 2015 (12:34 am)

Jim, I agree I live about a mile away too and it’s just ridiculous. It sounds like city fireworks show is still going on.

Jeanie July 5, 2015 (12:39 am)

I was walking in Lincoln Park and Brace Point around 8 PM, and the noise was just awful. People were shooting off bottle rockets, which is flagrantly illegal. The neighborhood dogs and poor wild birds were freaked out. I called the cops, and the dispatcher pretty much scoffed at me. She implied that unless the firecrackers were aimed at people or property, forget about doing anything.
Maybe I’m a bit of a nut, but I also waved down a police car near Lincoln Park just to ask him why there was no enforcement. He was absolutely courteous, explaining the police had to balance priorities, and “domestic calls” had to take priority. So, indeed, I agree that a drunken jerk threatening his or her spouse is a higher priority, but it’s still frustrating when people show their “patriotism” by making earsplitting noises.
I don’t think our veterans suffering from PTSD consider these explosions particularly patriotic.

V July 5, 2015 (12:43 am)

Well, the cops are finally shutting down the group at constellation park on beach drive. They couldn’t have been hard to find. They were literally sending up flares pinpointing their location. :)

Colleen July 5, 2015 (12:48 am)

I normally don’t care but after seeing the guy have issues lighting one and almost hit a car – because he couldn’t be bothered to put down his drink – I called the non-emergency line. Which was busy every time I tried.

Jissy July 5, 2015 (12:51 am)

Well Jeanie, at least you got a dispatcher…. My husband called in a fire in White Center and was PUT ON HOLD!! Good thing it was only a brush fire set off by some idiots in the parking lot of Dairy Queen… Even better that the wind was not blowing.

RS July 5, 2015 (12:52 am)

I think this year was far quieter than last, at least where I’m at in the Belvidere neighborhood.

m July 5, 2015 (12:57 am)

Jeanie….i also called the police when the neighbors were going to set off fireworks. Unless they point it at property, or cause a fire, they weren’t going to do anything. I thought they were going to fine people $1000, but no such luck. Instead of being proactive to prevent a fire, you have to wait for a fire to happen.

Bradley July 5, 2015 (1:44 am)

All the fireworks bans do in the cities that have them is keep legal fireworks stands owned by youth and charity groups from making money. EVERY city with a ban is a war zone of fireworks tonight. Seattle is probably the loudest. I’ve seen police and fire personnel, over the years, sitting in lawn chairs at the fire station watching teenagers light fireworks across the street while they bar-b-que burgers and polish their fire engines. I think thousands of people are buying and lighting-off fireworks simply because they ARE banned. This isn’t working. The city should set aside designated areas for legal fireworks and heavily enforce no-fireworks zones in our neighborhoods. As I type this at 1:44am, it sounds like a combat zone outside in Arbor Heights. We’re lucky the entire neighborhood didn’t burn to the ground tonight being as hot and dry as it is.

TheBoomStick July 5, 2015 (2:08 am)

Yup. Those group of kids at Lincoln Park shooting those mortors were legit.

areasonableguy July 5, 2015 (4:21 am)

I don’t know why some people complain about fireworks so much. You guys really need to RELAX. Its one night out of whole year. Your not in anymore danger then driving a car to the grocery store in fact statistically speaking there are 362,100 house/building fires a year in the USA that divided by 365.25 = 991.4 per day of those 46% are cooking related minus another 20% for electrical fires/heating, and another 20% for smoking/intentional arson/natural disasters/equipment malfunctions. That leaves a grand total of 138.8 homes/buildings burned per day by other misc ways. There is approximately 123.2 million homes, and 90.5 million non residential buildings leaving the chance of fire .000000649508657% or 64,950,865.7 to 1 odds of your house burning. keep in mind Odds of being struck by lightning: 576,000 to 1. Odds of being killed by lightning: 2,320,000 to 1. Odds of being murdered: 18,000 to 1 Odds of being killed sometime in the next year in any sort of transportation accident: 77 to 1. Odds of drowning in a bathtub: 685,000 to 1. Odds of fatally slipping in bath or shower: 2,232 to 1. So you are 843,517 times more likely to die in a transportation accident then having your house burn down. Maybe get to know your neighbors better, and be friendly instead of passive aggressive calling of the cops who are far too busy to hear your stupid complaints. They may just calm it down if you asked, but you are to busy hiding in your house calling the cops do anything for yourself.

JanS July 5, 2015 (4:45 am)

4:30am on the early morning of 7/5/2015…someone east of me just set off a whole sh*tload of firecrackers…sounded like a couple blocks away, which would be Fairmount Ravine? Neighbors must love them !

Bree July 5, 2015 (5:29 am)

It seems with the sun coming up, peace is now back with us. What a wild, wild night. Hoping people’s pets are ok, etc.

gina July 5, 2015 (6:45 am)

Spent the night just north of Lowman at a house on the water. So much quieter than Admiral or Genesee ever was after midnight. The Vashon, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, and Manchester area pro displays were nice. Too far back in cove to see Des Moines or Ruston displays. The resident cats ran to a lower level room with blinds pulled down, curled up, and slept.

pilsner July 5, 2015 (7:04 am)

Funrunner, you are spot on! I had a discussion last night with my uncle about the chemicals in fireworks, and how it all washes down the drains. I enjoy ruing people’s fun. Next year i will ride my bicycle around with a fire extinguisher, hitting all the hot spots!!!

MrsB July 5, 2015 (7:19 am)

and this is precisely why we leave our Alki home every July 2 for a few peaceful days (and nights) with our neighbors to the north, who celebrate Canada Day on July 1!!

miws July 5, 2015 (7:31 am)

Oh yeah, areasonableguy, I’m totally sure that the average, beer enriched, “patriot” celebrating the 4th of July by setting off M-80’s and bottle rockets would be very perceptive to a request to “…calm it down…”.

Probably the closest thing to a cheerful response a complainant may get from them would be a laugh in the face, before they resume setting them off, the next bottle rocket would probably be aimed in the direction of the complainant’s Home. Most likely, they’d get an “F You!”, or a threat.

As to your bean counting; that does nothing to address the trauma experienced by both wild animals and pets, along with Our Veterans with PTSD, or the public in general worried that they may become Homeless due to someone’s unlawful carelessness. No amount of statistics will compensate for that. Nor, I doubt, had you posted these stats by early last evening, would they have helped my COPD diseased lungs deal with all of the added, god-only-knows-what-is-in-it, air pollution added to an already days-long bad air quality.

Mike

Chris July 5, 2015 (7:38 am)

i agree with reasonable guy.
Sure people misuse the fireworks – but think about the original reason for firing them.
On this day we declared that all people are equal and have a fair shot at achieving happiness. How amazing is that?
I say we be loud and celebrate and remember our fight to be free – as John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail – It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Joe Szilagyi July 5, 2015 (8:03 am)

Living a few blocks from the county, it was the usual circus in Arbor Heights. It wouldn’t bother me so much but for certain neighbors firing off massive mortars and having hot embers landing in the big dry fir trees of other neighbors.
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We also were driving past Roxhill Park around 930pm — there was thick, dense smoke rolling from the park across Barton all the way into the Target parking lot, and there were people launching things off all over the field and from the skate park. There was also an actual fire going in the wood chips near the playground as well, that we called into 911. “Brush fire”.

StatsRCool July 5, 2015 (8:10 am)

Areasonableguy, your math is flawed. You need to account for the excessive number of fireworks being set off yesterday. That changes your “statistics” significantly. Regardless of the numbers, fireworks are frustrating for people trying to sleep, people with pets, and combat veterans. Calling the cops is not passive aggressive when it is illegal to have fireworks in Seattle. Plus, I don’t know about the other people on here but I am not comfortable asking a bunch of drunk idiots to simmer down; it has never worked in the past.

SeaNative July 5, 2015 (8:19 am)

The Fourth of July quadruples the calls for police and fire. They ping pong from call to call all night. Its so bad they have to triage the calls to determine who’s in the most need. Blaming them because the entire city calls in on one night is ridiculous. They are already working on mandatory overtime- all hands on deck. Saying they are lounging astounded watching things happen is a joke when the 911 calls quadruple. I watched several of my family members exit festivities after two hrs to prepare for this night. Here’s a little sampling of the night from my dispatcher sister : Had a shoot out in the parking lot of apt complex…luckily no injuries, but turned into barricaded subject. Had a burglary that we didn’t have air for, so sgt actually directed us to move that incident to their admin channel, which we can’t even monitor… Crazy town.

Oh and a neighbor somewhere else who was threatening a neighbor with a bat and an axe.
—
The truth is we have no idea what they encountered last night and really can’t imagine trying to hold it all down. I agree it was crazy I had a firework hit the roof of my car on I-5. But I didn’t call the police because I knew they were overwhelmed. Instead of blaming them try to understand they were working hard for you. Take it up with the city for extra police, fire and dispatcher jobs. The city is growing and these forces are not.

Kris July 5, 2015 (8:39 am)

Is it time for all of us that are “fed up” with the illegal use of fireworks to work with our elected officials to work towards being able to eliminate access to them? Yes, it takes a long time to make change through the legal process and it takes a community working together being committed to making change. The biggest hurdle, in my opinion, is working with the federal govt. and tribal groups in finding a way to eliminate the sale of the fireworks used for illegal purposes. Yes, it’s a huge financial benefit to the reservations and tribes but until an effort to change this is working hard on it not just commenting once a year on the problem.

Katy July 5, 2015 (8:46 am)

We walked around Alki last night and tons of people were lighting them off, many straight over the water. We saw at least 8 spd; 6 on bikes and 2 walking. The bike policed isn’t stop anything, but the guys on foot stopped a 10ish year old and made her put her finished firework in the trash. They then stopped by her family, but the family just started lighting them off again as soon as they walked away. We also saw them talk to a guy in his late teens or early 20s. He dumped one of his in the garbage and then walked in the other direction with his arms still full of the rest of his fireworks.

I don’t understand why these laws aren’t enforced, either get rid of the law or start writing some tickets.

flimflam July 5, 2015 (9:05 am)

confused about the laws here – I’ve been on Whidbey island for a few days(don’t worry, it was loud and obnoxious here too) and was stunned to see two fireworks stands within a mile of getting off the ferry. definitely not tribal land here.

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really stupid way to “encourage” folks to not light off illegal fireworks.

BlairJ July 5, 2015 (9:44 am)

@flimflam,
The fireworks stands you saw off tribal land were selling the kind of fireworks that sparkle for a few feet up into the air and make a little bit of noise, but do not explode or get launched way up into the air. And those stands are only in jurisdictions that do not have their own fireworks bans, as in unincorporated areas of King County. But I agree that the presence of these “safe and sane” stands might encourage people to bring home the big stuff from the reservations.

Scott July 5, 2015 (10:03 am)

Seems more reasonable to expect to sleep through the night without being woken up (and/or my toddler) by explosions. Perhaps statistically my interest in sleep or a concern for my property and increased danger from fireworks is unfounded, but despite that I was hoping for a little consideration from others. Maybe next year.

G July 5, 2015 (10:18 am)

Happy Birthday America!

miws July 5, 2015 (10:23 am)

Related to SeaNative’s comment; I was actually thinking just this morning, a little deeper than in general, of what the 911 crews’ involvement must entail on the 4th of July.

Presumably, they would have every available employee possible on shift, not only staffing all available channels of communication, but it seems the staff would need more frequent, head clearing breaks than usual. It has to be hellacious on them, even more so than normal in a high stress job that requires an unfailingly level of clearheadedness, and ability to remain calm and in control, just as with police and fire. They all have my huge appreciation for dealing with this.

Believe me, I was livid last night, and am still pissed, and wanted to call up somebody to scream and vent about it. But that would have been wrong on several levels; including tying up the phone lines for more immediate emergencies, and it also would have been totally wrong to scream at someone just trying to do their job…..

Mike

lincolnparkdude July 5, 2015 (10:59 am)

To the people saying, we all just need to relax, get stuffed. When grown ups cannot follow rules stating no fireworks, then there is a problem. We reasonable people, acknowledge fire dangers and want everyone to be safe and that perhaps putting aside what “I” want for the good of my neighbors is reasonable. As far as one day, are you kidding, last year it was weeks afterwards that people were lighting them off. It’s annoying and juvenile.

WS4life July 5, 2015 (11:05 am)

“Oh my cat & my dog and this one guy I know who has ptsd”. Boo hoo cry complain moan repeat. Typical WS yuppies. I bet not one of the comments on here are from any of are armed forces men or women. Get a life!

JoB July 5, 2015 (11:14 am)

if only it was one night. if only it was a few fireworks. if only people with breathing conditions lived in hermetically sealed environments where they could easily breathe through the smoke. if only the the noise generated ended at midnight. if only it could be filtered out by turning up the television or running fans or turning on the AC, only if only pets could be reasoned with and banished to the basements not everyone has to curl up in a ball and fall asleep. if only vets affected by PTSD weren’t triggered by loud booms. if only…
if only the people setting off all of those fireworks stopped to realize that the fun they are having comes at a high price for too many..
if only there were consequences

Fired July 5, 2015 (11:16 am)

Happily, the volume of self-righteous blog comments and useless police calls has (as usual) prevented any actual harm to third parties!
Thank you all for being our collective conscience, I feel better blowing stuff up knowing someone is doing the fretting. I hope you enjoyed the view from atop thy high horse! (*Sorry if your horse suffered any emotional distress)

JoB July 5, 2015 (11:20 am)

when did the reasonable demands of posters requesting that everyone abide by the laws of the land become “Boo hoo cry and complain moan repeat”?
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OOOOh poor babies.
We are so rude to expect grown adults to obey the law
but as one of the real crybabies stated on the forum after calling a complaining poster a b.tch ..
don’t take a dump on my lawn like the dog i just called you. that’s illegal.
as it turns out it’s not but those fireworks sure are and they clearly break noise ordinances when set off after 11
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it’s not so difficult to see who the real cry babies are….
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really? when you told your mom “everyone is doing it”..
did she say “well that’s ok then”?
is that what you tell your kids?
i don’t think so.
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at least i sure hope not

Jeannie July 5, 2015 (11:35 am)

I love this: “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more” – nice, poetic quote from John Adams, from a time where Americans didn’t live in big cities. Next year, let’s all take out our bells and guns to celebrate like good, patriotic Amuricans.

Hefe July 5, 2015 (11:41 am)

I wish it was the 4th every day!! Fireworks are the best!!

miws July 5, 2015 (12:13 pm)

WS4life, I am the furthest thing from a “yuppie” that you can imagine.

I bet not one of the comments on here are from any of are(sic) armed forces men or women.

So, using your logic, we can presume that the “it’s no big deal/get over it” crowd posting here are armed forces men or women? What does that say about their character, thinking that hours on end LOUD explosions, that could be traumatic to the military folks with PTSD, is “…no big deal”?

Mike

Ex-AlkiPerson July 5, 2015 (12:24 pm)

Big part of the reason I moved from Alki. It was getting too tempting to go out hunting the pyromaniacs. I fanticise about lining & covering Alki with virtual barriers that will capture launched fireworks and propel them back into the originating vehicles. It would probably take military technology…ok PTSD vets, anybody got the know-how?

As far as crowd control, that’s a police specialty. You just have to hypnotize them (the cops) into thinking that the pyros are peaceful protesters. Then the riot gear comes out and they get pushy. Judicious use of firehoses would take care of a lot of it, efficiently. Sometimes you have to fight back. It was easier for me to leave. Just tossing out some ideas for y’all.

Emily July 5, 2015 (12:41 pm)

I don’t have pets or ptsd and am not a yuppy. But I sure as heck wasn’t going to “just relax” when that firework led to 5ft flames out of the shrub in the front yard 15 feet from where one of my kids was sleeping. So which one of the people “celebrating their freedom” is going to come over and help dig out the (presumably) dead shrub and pay for new plants in the 6′-8′ hole left in my garden after your freedom celebration? Anyone? No. That’s what I thought.

datamuse July 5, 2015 (12:41 pm)

Well, he didn’t post it here because he doesn’t live in West Seattle, but a friend of mine who served in Afghanistan and has combat-related PTSD had some choice words for his neighbors this morning.
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You might ask why he and his wife didn’t leave town for the weekend. In years past, that’s what they’ve done. This year, they couldn’t afford to.

Funrunner July 5, 2015 (12:48 pm)

So- you can’t smoke in parks, you will be ticketed if you 13 year old dog is caught off leash. BUT if you set off illegal fireworks, in said parks, setting dumpsters afire, terrorizing wildlife all night and leave your debris everywhere that is fine and complaints are scoffed at. So that’s the way you play. I will leash my dogs in all parks. Like Hell I will

Happy Birthday America July 5, 2015 (12:56 pm)

A big thanks to our sovereign tribal neighbors for helping us celebrate with a mild defiance of the creeping nanny state! I even got to bring my fireworks home in a free plastic grocery bag!

Complainers can go back to Britain. Don’t go outside on Guy Fawkes day or you’ll be scandalized all over again.

Breer July 5, 2015 (1:08 pm)

Visiting on 5200 block of 21st Ave SW this morning and shocked by what saw. It looked like a war zone up there with stuff all over the street and boxes of empty stuff on the side. Talked to someone walking their dog & child and person said it was really bad up there last night. Regret did not get pictures for WSB!!!!!!

Eric July 5, 2015 (1:30 pm)

Happy Birthday America, Don’t forget to thank China for all those American flags and fireworks too. The irony

West Seattle Hipster July 5, 2015 (2:10 pm)

Shooting aerial incendiary devices over densely packed DRY neighborhoods displays careless indifference and lack of intelligence.

Celebrated a fractured and divided nation’s birthday is one thing, but using explosives while intoxicated is another.

flimflam July 5, 2015 (2:19 pm)

not sure how posts saying, ie, “derp, I blow stuff up so lighten up yuppie stuffshirts.” are at all a conductive part of a conversation.

anonyme July 5, 2015 (2:50 pm)

Kris, thanks for your sane suggestions. I am with you; I think we need to organize and demand better from our elected officials and others.

Turning a blind eye does nothing but encourage and escalate bad behavior. I’m disturbed by the NEW trend this year, to not only blow off illegal fireworks in huge numbers during an extreme drought, but now they’re throwing fireworks out of car windows and/or deliberately using bombs and fireworks to cause fires and damage. Fireworks related violence is increasing as violations have become so excessive that homeowners are beginning to fight back – in some cases literally. Personally, I think it’s high time we did, on whatever level it takes.

Even Cliff Mass posted on his website that there should have been a statewide ban in effect (as in, enforced). Several other Western states with the same conditions as ours did just that. I do not accept the loophole law excuse that an emergency ban can only be enacted after one year. Rubbish and nonsense; this was a chickensh!t move on the part of Inslee and others.

I would even support a neighborhood rent-a-cop with full police department enforcement capabilities paid for by interested neighbors. Their sole job for the evening would be to ticket and/or arrest fireworks violators – no warnings,no exceptions. At $5,000 per ticket per law, I guarantee we’d see compliance pretty damn quick.

JO July 5, 2015 (2:58 pm)

My neighborhood was beyond loud until 4:30 this morning…YES 4:30am. I don’t care how much fun anyone is having but reasonable neighbors, members of our community, considerate people, start to take the noise down a notch after midnight. I get it, it’s fun! But when you’re surrounded by neighbors with kids, pets, early risers, make an effort to think about where you live. Yes, enjoy the evening! Yes, blow up your crazy-assed mortars that shake the houses and make sure you have a hose ready. But when it’s no longer July 4th, time to stop! AND when a neighbor asks you to stop at 3:30am and your response is to shoot bottle rockets at them, then yes, other neighbors will call the police!

Kimmy July 5, 2015 (3:16 pm)

Ah yes, SPD doesn’t enforce the firework ban, so I’ll just decide not to leash my dog in parks. Problem solved.

carole July 5, 2015 (3:49 pm)

A relative with Renton FD responded to 140 calls in his shift yesterday.

West Seattle Hipster July 5, 2015 (4:15 pm)

I reserved my “patriotism for rooting for the US Women’s Soccer Team. Cheaper and safer.

kobdvs July 5, 2015 (4:17 pm)

I’m sympathetic to the folks who have to deal with fireworks well after midnight, or being launched by stupid people who use them improperly.
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But I’m also one of those who happily blew off mass quantities of excellent stuff last night between 9:30 and 11 or so … did so safely and responsibly … and feel no guilt whatsoever for enjoying this time with my friends and family. Which, my guess is, reflect the majority of people who use fireworks. The hysteria here from the fireworks-haters is over the top. Ease up folks and get a life … you’re all just fine.
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And I’m looking forward to blowing off more stuff next year.

miws July 5, 2015 (4:45 pm)

They may just calm it down if you asked….

Probably the closest thing to a cheerful response a complainant may get from them would be a laugh in the face, before they resume setting them off, the next bottle rocket would probably be aimed in the direction of the complainant’s Home. Most likely, they’d get an “F You!”, or a threat.

AND when a neighbor asks you to stop at 3:30am and your response is to shoot bottle rockets at them….

I rest my case….

Mike

Community Member July 5, 2015 (4:53 pm)

@ anonyme:
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But when all the police are on duty, there simply aren’t any off-duty police to hire. And if you are just thinking a security guard, well, when he calls the police I think his issues would (should) receive the same prioritization as anyone else’s.
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Look – if you want a large enough police force so they can respond to lesser crimes, tell the mayor to hire more police. That’s the only way. Maybe make it be known that you think that is a higher priority (if you feel that way) than preschool or bike lanes or whatever other issues.

kip July 5, 2015 (6:46 pm)

“Mass quantities of stuff”: all illegal + the additional knowledge that some of us have) that everything’s tinder in the garden right now. Add to that that I am pretty sure you did not pick up the mass quantities of detritus left behind…like so many of us did this morning. It was a cute group, oh yeah.
F-ing idiots! Maybe take up running to rid yourselves of the need to play with fire and explosives. Go volunteer to start thinking of others…

Freedomlvr July 5, 2015 (6:51 pm)

Really? I am astonished at the ignorant and insensitive comments on this blog towards our veterans, our sick, our pets, our families, our environment, our USA. Do you really believe that our independence from England should be celebrated by disrespecting the very values that our forefathers believed in and fought to secure for our benefit?
The right to own property and the right to quiet enjoyment of same. The right to have a voice in our government. The freedom to feel safe in our homes and to be able to secure the safety of our children. our fathers, their fathers and fathers and grandfathers before them fought and sometimes died to ensure and maintain these rights for us. How callously you mock their contribution to our freedoms by supporting bombs in our city streets, fires only feet from our sleeping children, and by justifying yours and others blatant disregard for laws that were enacted by the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Please don’t now complain that government is too big etc. You need only look at the posts above to see that the majority of the PEOPLE do not want such loud and inconsiderate displays of ignorance set off in their front yards when they are trying to enjoy the peace and freedom that has been so precious to us all for the last 200+ years. Bless you all. A concerned resident.

kip July 5, 2015 (7:07 pm)

@Freedomlvr
That was so eloquently stated. I tried to explain this to my neighbor and was rebuffed as if I came from another planet, the planet of Nice.

miws July 5, 2015 (7:09 pm)

+1 Freedomlvr.

Mike

Community Member July 5, 2015 (7:28 pm)

But – It is impossible to infer the opinions of “the majority of the people” by reading online comments. Reading online comments only tells us the opinion of the commenters.

Community Member July 5, 2015 (7:33 pm)

It does seem kind of funny to point out that Seattle parks will be “smoke free” starting tomorrow.

JoB July 5, 2015 (8:37 pm)

the number of online comments indicates that there are a lot of people who are not happy about picking up the tab for this illegal behavior…
not to mention the mess.

flimflam July 5, 2015 (9:01 pm)

well, the newest post by WSB gives all the fun-lovin’ patriots a chance to really rage! CLEAN UP PARTY!

kobdvs July 5, 2015 (9:29 pm)

@kip … yes, absolutely illegal what I, and thousands of others are doing. I’m just fine with that. Sorry if that rubs you the wrong way. I’m quite sure you and the other sanctimonious posters here never speed, or have driven drunk, or smoked pot (when it was illegal), etc.
.
In other words, spare me.
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See you next 4th – I’ll be blowing off more stuff – come join us!
(oh, and since you asked, yeah – we DO clean up our mess – with trash cans and brooms for debris. Can’t say we’re perfect at it, but we do a pretty good job. Sorry to disappoint your rant).

Elle Nell July 6, 2015 (12:22 am)

So, I grew up here where as a child we automatically headed to boom town for the 4th. M-80s to m-5000s were all around and we were lucky to have not had any accidents. It was a blast, literally! This was and is a tradition for many people here…If we as Americans choose to celebrate our Independence Day, that is exactly what Independence Day stands for. Not to piss people off, not to cause fires intentionally, but to practice freedom in the land of the free… I don’t particularly enjoy hearing the loud booms until the wee hours but I do know that others are doing what they enjoy..the same things I have done. It won’t change and frankly, get over it! It’s a huge holiday with fireworks!!
“Light a Roman candle, and hold it your hand!!” – soundgarden

miws July 6, 2015 (7:18 am)

To the “Just get over it” crowd; are you going to tell the residents of the Home in Federal Way that caught fire, believed to be by fireworks, to “Just get over it”, Especially if it is uninhabitable? Are you going to tell the injured Firefighter to “Just get over it”?

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Firefighter-injured-battling-roof-fire-in-Federal-Way-home-311651371.html

Mike

kobdvs July 6, 2015 (8:22 am)

Yes – that is precisely what I am saying. Because your “argument” is facile. A home burning or a firefighter getting hurt is tragic … but not representative of the mass majority of fireworks use. Your logic would have no one driving over 30 mph, because statistically, tens of thousands of people are killed in accidents which occur at higher speeds every year. So let’s set I-5 at 30 mph – imagine the lives we’ll save!!! Right?