Firework Tips

The Seattle Fire Department sent out this notice:

Be Safe this July 4^th and Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Seattle Fire Department, Harborview  Medical Center and the Seattle Police Department are reminding the community to stay safe this Fourth of July.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. These incidents could have been prevented by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.  

On the Fourth of July, 911 centers can become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. Do not call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.

Laurelhurst Blog Staff On Vacation Through End Of Week

The Laurelhurst Blog staff will be on vacation July 4th through the end of the week and will return to posting on Monday, July 9th. 

In the meantime, please keep sending your informative emails and story ideas.  The Blog Staff looks forward to responding to all of them.

Stay tuned for more interesting posts!

Happy 4th of July!

July 4th Fireworks Tips

The Seattle Fire Department sent out this notice:

Be Safe this July 4^th and Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Seattle Fire Department, Harborview  Medical Center and the Seattle Police Department are reminding the community to stay safe this Fourth of July.

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. These incidents could have been prevented by leaving the fireworks to the professionals.  

On the Fourth of July, 911 centers can become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. Do not call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics.

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011.

Neighbor's Plea: No Fireworks To Protect Nesting Eagles, Other Animals And Dry Grass Fire Hazards

The Laurelhurst Blog received this email:

Please, do the right thing and do not shoot off any fireworks, fire crackers, etc.  Yesterday's post stated the penalty for fireworks in the city, but there are considerations beyond the penalties.   

Some neighbors may not know that there are at least 3 families of nesting eagles in our neighborhood.  Please also consider the other birds and the many, many pets (especially dogs) in Laurelhurst. 

When I asked a neighbor last year why they had shot off fireworks from their dock, she stated that everyone else was doing it.  There was a nested eagle family just a few houses down from their house.  

Many lawns in Laurelhurst are already dry and this adds to the fire danger.  

Laurelhurst neighbors and families pull together for good causes.  Let the fireworks and fire cracker ban be one of these causes.

Also the Seattle Animal Shelter sent out this reminder to protect your pets during Fourth of July celebrations which can be a stressful time for your pet,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Don Jordan.

 

General tips

·         Keep your pet indoors. The noise from fireworks can be frightening to animals and may cause them to seek safety.

·         Don’t bring your pet to a fireworks display. Crowded, unfamiliar and loud places can cause undue stress on animals. If you are going to a fireworks display or an event where fireworks will be used, the best action is to leave your pet at home.

·         Consult your veterinarian beforehand if you think your pet may need to be sedated.

·         Protect your pet from the heat. Holiday weekend weather is forecasted in the mid-to-upper 80s. Do not leave your pet in a car, even in the shade, and make sure your pet has access to cool water. Be careful not to overexert your pet.

·         Make sure your pet is wearing proper identification, such as a current pet license. If a lost pet wearing its license is brought to the Seattle Animal Shelter, the owner is notified immediately via telephone. If an officer finds a licensed pet in the field, it will be returned to the owner, instead of taken to the shelter.

·         Don’t feed your pet scraps from the grill. While it can be very tempting to share your holiday treats with your pet, it’s best to keep your pet on its normal diet. A change in diet can upset your pet’s digestion, and some human foods are toxic for some animals.

The Seattle Animal Shelter will be closed on Friday and Saturday. If you find a stray animal on either day, please care for the animal until the shelter reopens on Sunday, July 5. If you need emergency care for an injured animal, go to:

·  BluePearl (formerly Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services)
11536 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
206-364-1660

·  Emerald City Emergency Clinic
4102 Stone Way N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-634-9000

 

Illegal Firepit Built In Tree Stump At Park And Fireworks Not Allowed Anywhere In City



A neighbor alerted the Laurelhurst Blog that someone has built a fire pit in a tree stump at the park, and coincidentally right next to the Ctiy fire pit.

The neighbor said "It's pretty bad.  That's all I know. Why they couldn't use the fire pit 100' away is unknown."

The City Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires says:

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

 

 

 

The Seattle Parks and Recreation website says:

Light fires only in designated fire pits. Burn only clean firewood like bare, clean dry cordwood (chemically treated wood like lumber releases a strong-smelling, dirty smoke into the air and burning pallets can leave nails and debris on the beach) Douse your fire completely with water before leaving. Dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.  Be considerate of others – no amplified music Alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks. 

 

Also Seattle Police Department and Police reminds residents 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 a $5,000 fine. Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. 

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable. 

On the 4th of July, 911 centers become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. Unnecessary 911 calls block people with real emergencies from reaching 911 and getting help. 

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011 

The Laurelhurst Park closes at 10pm daily.

Police Reminder: Fireworks Prohibited And Use Non-Emergency Line Today For Fireworks Related Calls

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent some helpful information about use of fireworks today:

Seattle Police Department  and Police 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 a $5,000 fine.  Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them.  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 4th 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 4th.   

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.