UPDATE: All those explosions = ‘fireworks’

12:04 AM: Lots of reports about “massive explosions” in various areas. including The Junction. Some have seen the source – M-80 type “fireworks” detonated in trash cans, which magnifies the sound. 911 has received multiple reports, and has dispatched police on the trail – apparently the people responsible are driving around from detonation site to detonation site.

12:19 AM: Thanks to the texter who sent that photo right before it was mentioned on police radio – a firework-damaged can by the bus stop outside the CVS store at 5217 California SW.

2:34 AM: That photo sent by another reader is from 41st/Alaska.

Linda June 28, 2026 (12:33 am)

Thanks! I figured they could’ve been fireworks- I thought maybe for a world cup celebration? But Im glad it was cleared up and that no one got hurt!

Nick W June 28, 2026 (12:34 am)

The door of that trash can (~25lbs give or take) flew all the way across California ave. It nearly hit the building on the other side of the street

22blades June 28, 2026 (2:08 am)

That ought to make their parents proud; wasting Metro dollars that their parents may depend on… I bet the Metro maintenance crews just get numb to this stupidity. This is the kind of reason we lose drive up mail boxes.

Steve June 28, 2026 (12:37 am)

An m80 is not that powerful. It could be an m100 or m150. The inside looked charred. A sparkler bomb would do that. Very cheap and the fuse allows plenty of time to leave the scene. It’s usually a 30 sec up to a minute fuse.

BJG June 28, 2026 (9:00 am)

I was up and heard the CVS explosion two blocks away. Bigger than an M80! Sadly we’re used to those. My first thought was that it’s too early! Do I now have to keep the dog stupid on drugs for two weeks instead of one? The Junction is always an attractive nuisance for the midnight bombers.
bestseattle June 28, 2026 (9:41 am)

Agree, bigger than an M80. I live across the street and it shook the whole building.

Lincoln Park Visitor June 28, 2026 (1:09 am)

I called 911 about a group of about 12 young men with a bag of fireworks who entered Lincoln Park from the North parking lot. They immediately began exploding gigantic bombs. Several people around me called 911, as well. The dispatcher asked me if I wanted contact from SPD and I said “yes” and told them I’d wait. SPD never arrived. They weren’t shooting mortar-type fireworks, they were simply setting off bombs that shook my car.

Mike June 28, 2026 (4:17 am)

Throw the book at them.

The use of explosive devices like M-80s in public spaces is not treated as a minor firework infraction; it is handled as a serious criminal matter. Because these are categorized as explosives or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), the potential prison time can be substantial.

The final sentencing depends heavily on the specific charges filed by prosecutors, which are determined by the intent, the danger posed to the public, and the damage caused.

Potential Felony PenaltiesUnder Washington law, possessing or using an explosive device for an unlawful purpose is a Class A Felony (RCW 70.74.180).

Class A Felony: This is the most serious classification of felony in Washington. A conviction for a Class A felony can carry a sentence of up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000.

Other Contributing ChargesProsecutors often stack charges when incidents involve the destruction of property and public endangerment:

Malicious Mischief (2nd Degree)Class C Felony Up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine

Malicious Mischief (3rd Degree)Gross Misdemeanor Up to 364 days in jail and/or $5,000 fine

Malicious Mischief: If the explosion destroys city property (like trash cans) or causes damage exceeding $750, it is typically charged as Second-Degree Malicious Mischief (a Class C felony).

Public Endangerment: If the act is deemed to have created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to others, additional charges for reckless endangerment or assault could be filed, which carry their own independent prison terms.

Brian June 28, 2026 (8:57 am)

This only means anything if you catch them man

anonyme June 28, 2026 (7:43 am)

Next weekend is queuing up to be a nightmare, with the fourth falling on a sunny weekend. What used to be a fun, family holiday has now turned into a dreaded assault – with many fleeing Seattle altogether. Police have not enforced fireworks violations for years, and now violators have turned to making bigger, louder, more destructive bombs. Our legislators have failed to do anything at all about what has become a serious problem; typical for Seattle. I can’t see Wilson doing any better. The one thing that Herbold did was to request that these agencies provide an accounting of how many fireworks-related arrests or fines were issued. As far as I know, they all refused to comply – which is telling.

Local June 28, 2026 (8:08 am)

This really freaked us out. It felt like a bomb – a huge surge in my bed and chest and now I know why…it was literally right in front of our place.

Joan June 28, 2026 (8:16 am)

I heard and FELT two of those! Stupid, very dangerous. Wish we could ban the sale of such explosives.

Rhonda June 28, 2026 (1:25 pm)

Explosive devices like M80s have been illegal under federal law for many years.

1994 June 28, 2026 (9:37 am)

And where do these stupid people buy this stuff???? Perhaps our elected officials could start doing the hard work and consider a statewide ban.

Question Authority June 29, 2026 (11:59 am)

You can purchase all you want on many nearby Indian Reservations which are exempt from Federal and Local laws as an independant free nation. There is nothing the US Government can do about and it’s a huge source of income for the Tribes which could care less about local enforcement.

Mellow Kitty June 28, 2026 (10:09 am)

This is why we can’t have nice things.

onion June 28, 2026 (11:49 am)

Setting off fireworks in Lincoln Park could easily spark a brush or tree fire, which could also leap to neighboring homes. A very serious risk and the police should respond accordingly.

James June 28, 2026 (12:49 pm)

I was awake too, and just about to head to bed, when the building shook. The concussive effect hurt my left ear, and the windows are slider door were closed. I live within eyesight of that trashcan. It set off multiple car alarms in a short radius. Even with the amplication inside a semi-closed container I don’t believe an M-80 would have shaken the building like that. I think this was a much bigger firework? I hope it’s not like this over the next couple weeks!

Mimi June 28, 2026 (4:36 pm)

The bank parking lot has to have some type of cameras in the lot, right? Residents on 42nd or Edmonds could also check their cameras.

M June 28, 2026 (5:04 pm)

1. what would fireworks look like if USA wins world cup?

Brian June 29, 2026 (11:02 am)

A question so ludicrous that the answer cannot be uttered in any language known to man.

SadPatriot June 28, 2026 (5:09 pm)

I have not seen any enforcement of anti-fireworks laws in my 15+years of living in Arbor Heights. I have also seen evidence of fireworks at Lincoln Park, a cherished gem of a park that offers many reprieve from daily stressors. Loud, percussive fireworks have already been going off this week. One resident in particular, at the corner of 106th and 40th, has been blasting massive pyrotechnics for many years, and I have taken videos and photos and shared them with authorities, to no avail. The individual has had children present and in one year, fireworks landed on a neighbor’s garage roof (but fortunately did not stay lit). There are many others who delight in this dangerous behavior, so this individual is by no means alone. Our dog suffered a seizure from fear and now is on Trazadone every night for about 2 weeks (1 week before and 1 week during the 4th of July). Seattle has a great public (approved) fireworks spectacle that folks could attend, but it is somehow seen as patriotic to illegally blast heavy-duty fireworks for many nights, despite the fire risk to other houses and harm to pets, wildlife, and others (including PTSD-suffering veterans). I believe the City of Bellevue Fire Department (as least in one year) handed our flyers in certain hot spots in advance of the Fourth to remind people. I see no inclination that Seattle will do the same. I guess all we can do proactively hose down our properties, pray for Lincoln Park, and sedate our dogs with drugs.