One more pre-4th plea: Hands off the fireworks

Fireworks danger was the main topic of the Harborview Medical Center media briefing we attended after finding out it would include an update about this morning’s deadly incident by the bridge. So here are the fireworks-related toplines, from hospital, SPD, and SFD officials. Assistant Chief Charles Cordova, newly promoted and appointed Seattle Fire Marshal, spoke for SFD. Some numbers:

*Statewide, 481 fireworks-related injuries and/or fires reported last year, 11 percent more than 2014

*At Harborview, 54 people were treated for fireworks injuries last year, ranging from “finger amputations to fractures to burns to faces and hands,” says SFD, with 11 so far this year

*If there’s a fireworks-related fire or injury on the 4th, *do* call 911. For other fireworks violations, you’re asked to call 206-625-5011

SPD’s advisory is here; SFD’s advisory is here. And as we mentioned earlier this week, it’s not just about safety … it’s about the mess, the damage, and the noise, especially its effect on pets.

P.S. Nationally, fireworks were blamed for at least 11 deaths last year.

JC July 1, 2016 (2:00 pm)

What baffles me is how many folks get fireworks and shoot them off illegally and yet we have restrictions that no one is enforcing. So with that, no wonder folks ignore the law and just do what they want.

WSB July 1, 2016 (2:03 pm)

That was the point of this … to say there are more potential consequences even if you think you won’t get caught. Sparklers, for example, burn at up to 2,000 degrees, says the CDC: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks/

newnative July 1, 2016 (2:08 pm)

I remember a kid in my hometown who literally lost his “hands off fireworks”. That was enough for me. I have no interest in handling that crap. Not to mention empathy for those who are traumatized from the noise.

Chuck July 1, 2016 (2:12 pm)

Luckily, I get to visit friends in Maple Valley this weekend, where worries about fires and stricter enforcement makes for a much milder 4th. I’m so tired of feeling like I have to see my dentist for loose fillings after a night in the West Seattle War Zone every 4th. The jack wagons who set off M80s and the like somewhere between California and 48th on Graham need to get a clue. Or a poke in the nose.

flimflam July 1, 2016 (2:32 pm)

yep. i’m expecting the “fun” to really begin tonight.

Chris July 1, 2016 (3:06 pm)

Sadly this is the only sort of public service type of thing I’ve seen or heard.

Ms. Sparkles July 1, 2016 (3:18 pm)

Drones armed with super soakers….enough said.

anonyme July 1, 2016 (4:02 pm)

The non-emergency number is a non-answer number. I’ve sat on hold for more than 45 minutes without getting through. If you do get through, they won’t do anything anyway. Since police won’t do the job, maybe some citizens should step up and do it for them. For example, SPD could agree to accept video evidence and issue citations after the fact. No exceptions, maximum fines. Or, the solution could be more Biblical: one finger per firework. Maybe start with the middle one that is raised so prominently toward the rest of us law abiding schmucks.

Jeannie July 1, 2016 (4:33 pm)

Small *ahems*, big fireworks. These “patriots” have no consideration for wildlife, pets, and most important, our courageous combat veterans with PTSD. Just google “PTSD fireworks.”

Jeannie July 1, 2016 (4:40 pm)

Re combat vets and fireworks: http://tinyurl.com/jnepch5

alyca July 1, 2016 (6:11 pm)

I am an HMC RN that works with the Orthopedic Hand team. Last year, we had several people who lost arms, and a few who just lost fingers (just!). A common fireworks injury is when young men (usually) take a bunch of sparklers and put them all together to make a big sparkler. This does not make a big sparkler. This makes a bomb that explodes when you go to light it. People think sparklers are the ‘safe’ firework to play with, but they can be very, very dangerous. Be safe out there!

ArborHeightsDweller July 1, 2016 (8:27 pm)

Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. We live in Arbor Heights, which is basically ground zero for fireworks several nights before, during and after the 4th of July. It is absolute hell for us, our dog (who has congestive heart problems) and our neighbors who are veterans. We do not sleep for nights during this time of year. We have the Seattle non-emergency police number on speed dial (206) 625-5011. We just wish people who blast fireworks were aware of the damage they cause.

MsD July 1, 2016 (10:59 pm)

Sorry, but they just don’t care. My parents came for a final visit when my mother was sick from cancer and we were supposed to go on a trip to Victoria, leaving the morning of July 4. My neighbors shot off so many fireworks the night before in the alley that my dog had a seizure. I went out and told them the situation and they laughed and couldn’t have cared less. I ended up sending my parents to Victoria and stayed with my dog. People are evil when they are celebrating their “freedom”.

Quilterwoman July 2, 2016 (10:04 am)

I saw a story on the news last night (King 5, I believe) about a tranquilizer that is terrific to help dogs get through the illegal fireworks.

I hope that helps. I’m not a big advocate for giving a beloved pet drugs, but if it helps them suffer less…

Safe 4th, everyone!

Double Dub Resident July 2, 2016 (11:46 am)

The sad thing Jeannie us some of the comments to your link.

‘Merica, eat, get drunk, and illegally fire off fireworks made in China and then justify/rationalize breaking the law as being patriotic.

What’s even worse are the people illegally firing off their guns. And I’ve spoken with quite a few officers who talked about all the guns they’ve confiscated during the 4th

BJG July 3, 2016 (8:48 pm)

It’s been 56 years and I still have scars from a fire cracker that blew up in my hand. I recall the months of bandages and infection from that dirty explosive wound. I was lucky to have five fingers after that explosion as well as my eyes and eardrums. Don’t do it. Not worth it.

Now I have our poor labrador quivering at my feet. She is a nervous wreck and it’s only the 3rd of July. Two Benadryls later she is still shaky and pacing the house wide-eyed and frightened out of her mind. This will go on all night and all day and all night again. I hope she will get some relief by the 5th. We’ll be up until then since she will not rest. She (and we) shouldn’t have to be tormented by these ridiculous “celebrations.” Poor girl is a rescue from Idaho and who knows what went on there? Please, people, have a little consideration for the animals and find another way to enjoy your holiday.

ArborHeightsDweller July 3, 2016 (11:15 pm)

The police and/or fire department could target the hot spot / problem areas, like Arbor Heights, BEFORE the 4th and distribute flyers, go door to door to areas that have been the focus of prior complaints, and let people know that this behavior causes great harm AND is illegal. I believe the City of Burien did this. Without education and enforcement, the laws are meaningless. I, for one, would be willing to help the police and fire departments with this outreach effort.

Re: the new drug for dogs, it’s called Sileo and, according to my vet, may not be a good choice for dogs with heart problems (which my dog has). My dog is on Xanax now, which only takes the slight edge off his terror. The percussive fireworks that make the windows rattle are the worst for him . We are dreading another sleepless night tonight and tomorrow .

I am going to contact City Councilmemeber Lisa Herbold and see if we can have better proactive enforcement and education.

Plan B: if the city cannot or will not address this problem, does anyone have any ideas on where we people with dogs can go to escape the fireworks? Canada, perhaps?

Alan July 3, 2016 (11:40 pm)

National Parks are a good place to escape to. Make sure you are staying IN the park and not on the outskirts.

anonyme July 4, 2016 (6:42 am)

It enrages me that so many of us are having to consider this option – fleeing our homes so that lawbreakers can take over our neighborhood.

ArborHeightsDweller, I also live in AH – which may be one of the worst areas for fireworks. The bombs went on until midnight last night, on 4th of July eve. Then, this morning at 5:30 am, some numbskull set off an M-80. What I’d like to do to that guy can’t be stated here.

Sorry, comment time is over.