WSP K-9s sniff out illegal explosives on State ferries

WSP Trooper Samantha Metcalf and her K9 “Betsy”
at the Seattle State Ferry Terminal
Photo courtesy Washington State Patrol

An important part of the overall security for the ferry system is the use of Washington State Patrol (WSP) explosive detection canine teams.

These dogs are trained to sniff out explosives, which includes legal and illegal fireworks. It is okay to carry legal fireworks on State ferries, but customers in vehicles carrying fireworks should anticipate the dogs detecting the fireworks and store them where they are easily accessible for WSP personnel to examine.


“Ferry customers are expected to obey laws regarding legal fireworks in Washington State,” says Homeland Security Division Commander Captain Randy Drake,

“Legal fireworks include sparklers, ground spinners and roman candles. Illegal fireworks or other explosive devices are not allowed on ferries and will be confiscated and disposed of by the Washington State Patrol.”  Those possessing illegal fireworks will be subject to criminal prosecution.

You can view the Washington State Patrol Fire Marshal’s fireworks education campaign kit and the enforcement campaign kit.

The State Fire Marshal’s office maintains an up-to-date list of legal and illegal fireworks. Fireworks can be legally sold in Washington from June 28, 2012, at noon and ends July 5, 2012 at 11 pm.

For specific information about fireworks and fireworks safety contact: Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Dan Johnson, WSP Office of the State Fire Marshal at 360-596-3913.