FIREWORKS: Love them or hate them, get ready for more of them

| Safety | West Seattle news

(July 2018 reader photo, Solstice Park)

You’ve already likely been hearing the booms for a couple weeks now, but be aware, the annual peak fireworks season is about to begin, with fireworks stands opening today in unincorporated King County. This year could be worse than usual because most big public shows were canceled. As noted on our partner site White Center Now, fireworks sales are allowed in the unincorporated area daily through the 4th, but using them is only legal on the 4th, and only in that area – they’re illegal in the cities north and south, Seattle and Burien. Yes, we know, there’s usually little enforcement. So if the illegality of fireworks doesn’t convince you not to use them, how about the fact they killed a man last year?

Graciano June 28, 2020 (7:04 pm)

It’s going to be like WW3 this year, We have been sheltered for too long and the 4th falls on a Saturday. LOL

Beer, Bombs and BBQ!

WSB June 28, 2020 (7:16 pm)

Our terminally ill 20-year-old house cat thanks you for the “LMAO.” I’ll be spending the evening holding onto him and hoping we don’t have to leave to cover another fire.
- W_seaknits June 28, 2020 (8:30 pm)
  
  I’m with you. My dog literally needs to be drugged so he won’t have a heart attack. It’s bad. Give kitty loves!!

Also John June 28, 2020 (7:12 pm)

My Vote: Hate them.

flimflam June 28, 2020 (7:26 pm)

huh. so they are illegal yet are sold AND blown up without care or consequence? what’s the point of laws/rules without enforcement?

WSB June 28, 2020 (8:04 pm)

Where they are sold – White Center and other parts of unincorporated King County – they are legal … on the 4th. But that’s JUST the type sold at those stands, not the M-80 types sold at Native stands (Puyallup opened a week ago, for example), or firecrackers, etc.
Rick June 29, 2020 (9:07 am)

Let’s see. What other illegal activities are allowed in Seattle? I’m not gonna have to think too hard on that one. But don’t use hurtful language (I don’t) . That’s when Chief Best said you should call 911.

LG June 28, 2020 (7:39 pm)

I love fireworks on the 4th, in a non densely populated area, by people who know how to manage them, and in a place that is legal to shoot them off. In other words not here.

Graciano June 28, 2020 (7:43 pm)

Wow, 20 year old cat. I can only hope our cat lives till 20. He will be 17 in 5 months. I turn on some Metallica to smooth the sounds of fire works.

oakley34 June 28, 2020 (8:11 pm)

Spent an hour last night trying to calm my 7 yr old mutt as she trembled and panted in response to just three fireworks about 3 minutes apart. The odd thing is they never bothered her till about a year ago , and her response has grown progressively worse since then. I realize the people setting them off for the most part don’t realize many animals and some people can become stressed (I certainly didn’t when I set them off as a teen).I’d be more upset about the trash that’s left behind but let’s be honest, it’s a drop in the bucket with the way things have gotten in my part of the pen.

Jenn June 28, 2020 (9:20 pm)

Hate fireworks! Remember the Burien couple whose house cause on fire from fireworks last year and the 70 yr old man died? Enough said!
- Rob July 4, 2020 (8:40 am)
  
  This is just a stupid argument. Fireworks are dangerous, sure, but so are a lot of things we do. SO many more people die to car accidents all the damned time and yet we still drive around. Once a year a couple of people die to fireworks misuse if that. Considering the thousands lit off, it makes this incredibly rare. You put your fear in the wrong place. Animals suffering on the other hand… That is definitely a valid reason to dislike fireworks.

John Smith June 28, 2020 (8:54 pm)

One of my dogs is under the coffee table after hearing one boom a little while ago. He’s a normal-sized male Doberman, so he has to crawl to get there. There are better places for him to “shelter” in my house, but Dobermans are what Doberman fanciers call “Velcro dogs:” they like to be with their person. The coffee table is in front of where I am sitting. I am eating a delicious to-go turkey dinner from Huckleberry Square, so my dogs were flanking me on the couch anyway, but when he heard the boom he crawled under the coffee table.

NotPlayingNiceAnymore June 29, 2020 (12:29 am)

I’ve been saving my elderly, diabetic, dementia-addled family member’s sharps all year, since they ended up sobbing in terror over the fireworks last year, and the many years before that. If you blow up stuff close to my house, you may end up with them in your yard Sunday morning. What, is that illegal? So are your fireworks.

Michael June 29, 2020 (1:19 am)

What kind of a sick person do you have to be to even think of this?
- West Seattle Hipster June 29, 2020 (6:39 am)
  
  Matter of opinion. I think people that set off aerial explosives over densely populated neighborhoods to be sick.
- Ookla the Mok June 29, 2020 (8:08 am)
  
  No kidding! Not only is this person sick, the comment suggests a possible felony.

Kt June 29, 2020 (6:16 am)

Council Member McDermott was unable to schedule a public hearing on his bill to ban fireworks in unincorporated King County due to Covid restrictions. So it won’t be until 2022 before the ban will take place.

Anne June 29, 2020 (8:58 am)

If it takes place at all. Besides they’re banned in Seattle-doesn’t stop folks from going to reservations -or wherever to buy them & shooting them off here.

Anne June 29, 2020 (7:34 am)

The reality is-as much as I wish it weren’t so —fireworks are not going away, they’ll probably NEVER go away. Those that love to set off the M-80’s & other big booms don’t care about animals, babies, Veterans, at all. I think this year will be worse than ever-so get some meds for your pets if you can, sit with them in a safe space -maybe with tv or radio turned up & just pray they don’t go on all night- or all weekend. It’s really sad & disgusting that many have so little regard for others-(people & pets)

Joan June 29, 2020 (7:38 am)

I have been dreading this for weeks. i hate hate hate the Fourth of July anymore, and that’s not how it should be. I have two cats and feel bad for them. One will be in the basement as soon as they start. I seriously may put in ear plugs, and even then have to blast some music or something. At least if it’s cool out, I can keep my windows closed. I wish towns would not allow these sales.

S June 29, 2020 (8:24 am)

My neighbor likes to scream and yell out his window at the fireworks. I don’t like them much either, but I prefer them over the insane screaming.

Mark Miller June 29, 2020 (11:45 am)

meds .
Mark Miller June 29, 2020 (11:47 am)

Sometimes neighborly comfort is ok. The upset man could use compassion. I’m sure he is seriously upset about something and his mental health is teetering on desperation.
- S June 29, 2020 (1:40 pm)
  
  Compassion for sure. No need to add to their stress. Another reason fireworks need to go away from the city.

Sunflower June 29, 2020 (9:02 am)

Hoping for a quiet holiday this year. This doesn’t feel like the time for fireworks celebrating, let’s save it for a better time, like after the pandemic. I think we’ll all be better able to tolerate explosive loud noises then. I worry about everyone’s stress level this year, especially veterans with ptsd, all animals, especially aging pets.
My senior cat in past years has ended up literally inside my mattress box spring. Tore a hole underneath and climbs up inside the box spring, only on the 4th of July, every year.
Sparklers and noiseless fireworks all good.
Please be considerate of your neighbors and wildlife. Thank you!

2 Much Whine June 29, 2020 (10:24 am)

I wonder if there is a connection or correlation between the inconsiderate folks that refuse to wear a mask in public and those that feel their patriotic right to shoot off fireworks wherever and whenever they want should not be infringed upon. It would be interesting to know. Seems to be a consistent belief that the government shouldn’t tell them what to do and they can do what they want.

Mohizic K. June 29, 2020 (11:49 am)

I wished we had more people like you in west Seattle.
Mohizic K. June 29, 2020 (11:50 am)

Great comment.
Also John June 29, 2020 (5:14 pm)

@2 Much Wine…. My mind thinks the same. I’m always drifting into demographic possibilities. I would say ‘Yes’ to your question. These people would be from the same demographics.

DeShauai Simmons June 29, 2020 (11:33 am)

I lost my cat 2 yrs ago on the 4th. This time of year is very difficult for me. And this year will be the same. I can’t look at a cat without having uncontrollable feelings of despair.

anonyme June 29, 2020 (1:13 pm)

All fireworks and their resulting debris should be moved to the front yards of Durkan, Best & Co. I’m relieved to read that I’m not the only one to react to bombs outside my home with screaming. It’s called PTSD, and it’s actually a real thing – not a made-up farce like the Mayor, Police Dept., or City Council.

River June 29, 2020 (1:13 pm)

Once again the 4th of July is here and once again the locals are aghast that some in our community are inclined to be setting off fireworks to celebrate our freedom and independence. Copy and paste for next year as well. SMH

Also John June 29, 2020 (5:20 pm)

You purposefully neglected to mention that the fireworks are illegally being set off in Seattle. If breaking the law is your way of celebrating America, I feel sorry for you.
Matt P June 30, 2020 (12:41 am)

The ones who fought for that freedom and the ones those freedom lovers supposedly support – veterans – are the ones most affected by fireworks. But considering a large number of them are homeless and in desperate need of mental health services, it’s not real support. Those supporters seem to just love loud bangs whether here at home or when they’re being dropped on other countries.

anonyme June 29, 2020 (3:30 pm)

“Celebrate freedom and independence” my A$$. You don’t know the meaning of either, or the sacrifices that they entail. Admit it: you enjoy blowing stuff up, and your juvenile attitude suggests you get a thrill out of disturbing other people. But, since you obviously don’t think the law applies to you, consider this: your neighbors might well take your lesson to heart, and decide to teach you one (a lesson). You might not like it very much, but it would be completely fair and balanced. And if the cops aren’t going to enforce fireworks violations, then why should they get involved with, shall we say, an exploding bag of dog crap on your porch?

Bradley June 29, 2020 (11:52 pm)

Yet, you won’t put a bag of poop on the offender’s porch, because Seattleites are passive-aggressive and non-confrontational. You’ll continue to tolerate the massive 4th of July lawlessness, just like the SPD, the SFD, and the rest of us.

anonyme July 1, 2020 (7:56 am)

Bradley, you are right. Pranks and retaliation are not my thing. I respect the law and do not want to become what I condemn. And as a woman of a certain age, I would not feel safe confronting drunk & disorderly idiots setting off explosives. However, the SPD and SFD do not have the right to choose “tolerance”; they are paid to uphold the law and protect the rest of us. I am trying to think of a way to force them (and the Mayor’s office) to do their jobs, but as nothing – not even a fireworks-related death – seems to move them, I am at a loss. Acceptance is unacceptable.

Sorry, comment time is over.