Seattle Police Reminder That Fireworks Illegal In Seattle

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent out this helpful information for today:

Seattle Police and Fire Department want to remind you that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or $5,000 fine.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. (Not to mention the stress our pets experience) Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks related fires and injuries. The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable.

Our 9-1-1 center becomes overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls on the 4^th of July. For this day only, DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. If you know me or my work, you know that it is my constant endeavor to encourage the public to use 9-1-1 to report suspicious circumstances, in addition to reporting crime.

HOWEVER, my message applies to all days of the year except July 4^th. This is the busiest day of the year for our Call Center. Reports of fireworks; barking dogs; drunken parties; gunshots fired; boating mishaps; burns; noise complaints, etc. are commonplace during this holiday. Delays in dispatch are a reality. If possible use the 625-5011 line to report any fireworks violations.