This year’s ‘mystery fireworks’ turn up tonight in Tacoma

If you think you’re hearing fireworks in the distance … you are. Way in the distance. Tacoma, to be specific. The Seattle Times says that’s where what appears to be this year’s edition of the September “mystery fireworks” = seen and heard from a barge between Bainbridge and Blake Islands last year – has popped up. (We were watching for central Puget Sound alerts earlier this month, but didn’t see this as we don’t monitor the South Sound. Thanks to the texter who pointed out the story.)

CM September 28, 2024 (9:22 pm)

Thank you, WSB! Was trying to figure out what that was.

LC September 28, 2024 (9:34 pm)

It also sounds like there’s a few small ones going off East of White Center.

sam-c September 29, 2024 (6:13 am)

there were, around 9:05 to 9:15, exactly at the location you suggest. we saw them from 509, while driving by
Herongrrrl September 29, 2024 (8:14 am)

The mystery is why someone set off a single firework on Beach Drive at 5am this morning.

CJ September 28, 2024 (9:48 pm)

Another mystery fireworks display rumbles across Puget Sound, this time off Tacoma
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/another-mystery-fireworks-display-is-coming-tonight-this-time-off-tacoma/

WSB September 28, 2024 (10:43 pm)

That’s the same story I linked above. (on “the Seattle Times says”)

Kate September 28, 2024 (10:15 pm)

We’re on the southern end of Vashon and I thought a small civil war had broken out. Especially because those scary military helicopters have been passing overhead all summer long.

Support September 29, 2024 (12:35 am)

Those “scary” military helicopters are training how to rescue hostages and bring their customers home safely. They are some of the best aviators who are risking their lives to help others. They are designed to not be easily detected at night and for mid-air refueling, so not scary but methodical (unless you happen to be the people who captured the hostages…then yes, that should be scary).
- Kate September 29, 2024 (1:59 am)
  
  Yes, and still scary.
- Josh September 29, 2024 (8:22 am)
  
  It can be both things at once. If you are honestly comforted by the necessity to have the military we have to maintain our way of life rather than not require things like Chinook Helicopters. As a biological organism I personally think helicopters equally awe inspiring and terrifying.
  - WSB September 29, 2024 (9:23 am)
    
    Datapoint: The nighttime training flights are often shown on Flightradar24 (we reflexively look when we hear helicopters) and they’re usually Black Hawks.
    https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-black-hawk-helicopter.html
  - Hammer in Hand September 29, 2024 (9:44 am)
    
    Like the miller beer commercial tastes great…. Less fillingit both

AIRquality September 29, 2024 (10:01 am)

Not only are fireworks startling…. but they wreck havoc on wildlife at a deep level(terrorizing them) added to that is gunpowder in our air quality and damaging the environment. It’s time to get responsible to something other than ourselves.. there’s no reason for fireworks that is bigger than the harm they do

CarDriver September 29, 2024 (1:45 pm)

You can start an initiative petition. You can organize rallies at city/county/state chambers to advocate making all fireworks illegal. Why haven’t you done so?
anonyme September 29, 2024 (1:57 pm)

Absolutely right, not to mention having all that poison and debris dropping into Puget Sound. Horrible. There should be a complete ban on fireworks that is strictly enforced, with the only exception being land-based, organized events with environmental controls and cleanup.
- CarDriver September 29, 2024 (2:12 pm)
  
  What are you doing to make that happen?
  - Guy September 29, 2024 (6:03 pm)
    
    Stating a goal is often the first step to achieving it.
    - CarDriver September 30, 2024 (6:01 am)
      
      Guy. What is the 2nd step?
    - Seriously September 30, 2024 (9:21 am)
      
      Do you listen to yourself? I’m not sure if your comments are meant to be motivating… or being a smart Alec… YOU have the same action options as everybody else instead of sitting on the sideline barking
  - anonyme September 30, 2024 (11:51 am)
    
    Not sure who your question is directed at, but I, personally, have written to the Gov, Mayor, and City Council, as well as calling SPD (who enable fireworks, rather than enforcing bans). If you have other suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Otherwise, your post is just as meaningless as anyone else’s.

Sorry, comment time is over.