Showing posts with label fireworks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fireworks. Show all posts

Fireworks outside of authorized shows are illegal here

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

They never look this good in person but thanks to Snohomish county for the pretty picture

By Diane Hettrick

...but you knew that, didn't you? 

All our local cities are issuing statements about fireworks being illegal in their jurisdictions. Shoreline, Woodway, Kenmore, Bothell, Mountlake Terrace, and Lake Forest Park has also posted notices at every "Welcome to Lake Forest Park" entrance to the city.

Snohomish county finally closed their loophole in South County by banning fireworks in Esperance, the only unincorporated area in SW Sno county (west of Ranch 99).

They still have fireworks stands in the area because they were a little slow in changing that regulation.

The authorized shows are in Kenmore and the 3rd of July in Mountlake Terrace. 

The 3rd of July Family Celebration in Mountlake Terrace
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Ballinger Park, 23000 Lakeview Drive
Details here

This year’s festivities will begin at 6:00pm. The fun will include pie eating contests, field games, a DJ and food trucks. A fantastic fireworks display over beautiful Lake Ballinger will be the highlight of the event when darkness falls at approximately 10:00pm.

Across the Sound, the small town of Kingston always has a huge 4th of July party and fireworks. If you can find a vantage point in west Shoreline or Edmonds, you can watch the show, which starts after 10pm.

If someone near you is setting off fireworks, do not call 911 - call the non-emergency number for your police department - unless of course they set something on fire.

I have fond memories of going to a fireworks show in Edmonds and watching the people next to the stadium catch their roof on fire with errant fireworks. It was a better show than the main event.

Remember to keep your dogs where they can't run away.


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Midnight fireworks were unauthorized event

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Illegal fireworks in North City. Photo by Mike Remarcke

By Diane Hettrick

The midnight fireworks Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in North City woke up the neighbors and terrified the dogs. Those within sight just assumed it was an authorized event that no one had told them about.

Those who heard the explosions could only wonder.

And apparently no one called to complain.

The fireworks show, which extended for some minutes, was not an authorized event. Person or persons unknown set up shop in the parking lot of the North City Water District 1519 NE 177th St, Shoreline, WA 98155.

When it was over, there was no damage, but a lot of mess, which water district staff had to clean up the next day.

The King County Sheriff's Office said that there were no reports and no officers were dispatched. The Shoreline Fire department reported the same.

The next day, the water district reported it but the police took no action, as there was no damage done.

There are no suspects and no investigation.


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Fireworks on 15th NE Wednesday night

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Photo by Mike Remarcke

No idea where this is, other than 15th NE in North City, or what the occasion was. Just fortunate to have a photographer in the vicinity.

Photo by Mike Remarcke

They went off at midnight. There are no events on the calendar and these are not exactly left-over sparklers, so perhaps it was a private (illegal) celebration.

--Diane Hettrick


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Noise-canceling headphones for dogs

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Noise canceling headphones for dogs
I know a lot about cats - from tiny kittens to ferals - but not a lot about dogs. I do know that most dogs react badly to firework explosions and that many react by running. I'll start seeing the lost dog notices on Monday.

I have heard about "thunder shirts" which are supposed to calm canine anxiety - do they really work? But noise cancelling headphones are new to me.

Noise canceling headphones for dogs
A Google search brought up half a dozen brands and styles from what look like old aviator caps to something that looks like high end headphones.

They are sold online and locally in Petco. It seems like they should work, if your dog will tolerate having something on its head.

Here's hoping you have law-abiding neighbors and all the fireworks will be far away from you!

--Diane Hettrick


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Surprise fireworks show startles central Puget Sound residents

Monday, September 18, 2023

This is our fireworks show
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

By Diane Hettrick

At first people thought it was thunder, but it went on too long. 

Around 9:30pm on Saturday night, September 16, 2023, the noise started. Some recognized it as fireworks immediately, but others were confused.  New Year's Eve and the 4th of July are typical occasions for fireworks and there is usually some warning for local festivals.

It went on for 45 minutes, while dogs cowered and retired soldiers dealt with their PTSD.

Every westside neighborhood was treated to the noise and some areas by Lake Washington could also hear the explosions.

As it turned out, it was a private show from a barge moored off the south end of Bainbridge Island. The only announcement was from the Bainbridge Island fire department two days before

The display was located outside of Bainbridge Island’s jurisdictional area and is under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard.
 
This event is similar to a display held last year. The commercial operator, retained by a private entity for the event, holds a General Display Fireworks License and Pyrotechnic Operator License issued by the Fire Protection Bureau of the Washington State Patrol. 

Appropriate permits have been issued by the Seattle Fire Department for the loading of fireworks and with U.S. Coast Guard approval for a Marine Event. No additional permits are required.

You can expect noise associated with commercial fireworks that evening beginning around 9:30pm. Please do not call 911 with any complaints. Let's keep those lines open for emergency reporting.

If you could see it, it was a spectacular display. The West Seattle Blog followed the story as it was happening and published a photo of the display - well worth checking out. (article here)

The fireworks company is not divulging the name of their client, just that it is a private party. Nor are they sharing the occasion. It could be a birthday or Mexican Independence Day which was on the 16th and is celebrated with fireworks. Either way, it was a private celebration which went noisily public, shared with thousands of people.


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Fireworks hangover on July 5th

Saturday, July 8, 2023

Photo by David Walton

Sunrise on July 5 from Lake Forest Park looking east shows the smoky sky. 

All the metrics that measure air quality showed a dramatic spike during 4th of July fireworks shows and clearly there was a hangover into the next morning's sunrise.


It might have been helped by lingering haze from Canadian wildfires in the upper layers of air..

Whatever the source it made for interesting views and it cleared during the day.


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Vandals cause brush fire in Richmond Beach

Friday, July 7, 2023

Richmond Beach fire
Photo by Munira G

It appears that we made it through the 4th of July without accidental fire damage. Air quality in the region went into the pollution range because of all the fireworks.

The fire in the photo is different, though, because it was vandalism. Multiple people in Richmond Beach report that people in a car were driving around the neighborhood throwing fireworks out the windows.

This one found a home in a pile of brush in a driveway between two houses. Shoreline Fire responded quickly



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Edmonds fire may have been caused by fireworks

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

A stand of trees burns on an Edmonds street
Photo courtesy South County Fire
An Edmonds home was spared this evening due to the quick response of South County firefighters. 

Luckily the fire didn't extend into the home keeping damages to a minimum. Fireworks are suspected to have played a role in this fire.

Photo courtesy South County Fire

Firefighters survey the aftermath of the fire.


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Fireworks shows on the 3rd and 4th of July and then Tour de Terrace July 21-23

Monday, July 3, 2023

Tour de Terrace returns July 21-23, 2023

By Diane Hettrick

Some fireworks shows are open to the public, some are for private associations but they all can be seen and heard beyond their boundaries.

Mountlake Terrace will hold a public 3rd of July celebration in Ballinger Park 23000 Lakeview Dr., Mountlake Terrace. This year’s festivities will begin at 6pm and will include live music, a DJ and food trucks. A fireworks display over Lake Ballinger will be the highlight of the event when darkness falls at approximately 10pm. And it will be loud, so make sure your dogs are taken care of.

Then on the 4th of July:

On Lake Washington, Kenmore is holding a public show at Log Boom Park. (see previous article). Judging by reader reaction to the celebration marking the completion of the 81st Street Bridge, the sound of explosions will be heard throughout Lake Forest Park, Lake City and the east side of Shoreline. Be prepared! And you might be able to see the fireworks.

The Sheridan Beach Club is holding their annual party for their HOA members, including a fireworks show. The beach club is located lakeside at 165th. Eastside residents may be able to see the fireworks.

On Puget Sound the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their kiddie and adult parades and fun runs. Instead of a fireworks show on the 4th, the Chamber is throwing in its lot with Mountlake Terrace for the 3rd of July fireworks.

Kingston 4th of July fireworks 10:15pm No one on the west side complains about noise from fireworks, even when Edmonds and Kingston had shows going on at the same time. This year it's just Kingston and they usually put on a good show. Find a vantage point and watch the show. They have fun events all day long. Here's some information - might be worth a ferry ride, especially if you walk on. 





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Fireworks are illegal everywhere - so don't even ask

Saturday, July 1, 2023

Sparklers. Photo by Ben White on unsplash.com
Last year in Washington State, there were a reported 508 fireworks-related fires and injuries reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office by fire agencies and hospitals. 

This was a decrease from 2021, which had a total of 912 reported incidents. 

 Of the 508 incidents reported in 2022, there were 310 fires and 198 injuries. 

Sparklers can burn at 1300°F, enough to burn glass, wood, and boil water. They account for one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries, with children ages 10-14 having the highest rate of the injuries.

The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) urges all residents to practice fireworks safety by:
  • Never allowing children to play or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
  • Making sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying our using them.
  • Keeping a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of a fire.
  • Lighting fireworks one at a time, then moving back quickly with caution.
  • Never trying to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Not using fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • Always being prepared, safe, and responsible.

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Fireworks show at Log Boom Park on July 4th with music, food trucks, crafts, games

Sunday, June 25, 2023


The City of Kenmore will stage a 4th of July party and fireworks show at Log Boom Park on Tuesday, July 4, 2023

7:30pm - 10:30pm with the fireworks show beginning at 10pm 


Parking: Street parking along NE 175th St.; Off site parking available at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer located off of Bothell Way: 6211 NE 182nd St, Kenmore, WA 98028

Activities and Entertainment:
  • Music and DJ entertainment
  • Face painting artist
  • Balloon twist artist
  • Arts and crafts
  • Lawn games
Buy your dinner there:
  • Yummy Box Food Truck
  • Delfino's Pizza Food Truck
  • Chilz Ice Cream Truck
  • Brown and Toasted (desserts)
Reminder: Personal fireworks are illegal in all north King and south Snohomish jurisdictions


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No fireworks allowed in Woodway

Friday, June 24, 2022

Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

Reminder - No Fireworks in Woodway

Celebrate Safely on the 4th of July

Fireworks are not allowed in Woodway. Per Woodway Municipal Code section 6.16.020:

“It is unlawful for any person to sell, possess, use, transfer, discharge, ignite or explode any fireworks within the Town.”

Because of our wooded setting, we face an enhanced level of risk associated with fireworks. As a result, we have a zero-tolerance policy and violators of the ban will be prosecuted.

Thank you for helping keep Woodway safe on Independence Day and every day.



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Fireworks display at Sheridan Beach

Monday, July 5, 2021

Fireworks at Sheridan Beach photo by Cynthia Sheridan

The Sheridan Beach Community Club in Lake Forest Park put on an outstanding 20 minute display of fireworks for folks missing the traditional Kenmore 4th of July celebration which was canceled due to Covid limitations. 

The Sheridan Beach Community Club is a shared private beach and pool located at the north-end of Lake Washington in Lake Forest Park. Membership is deeded to the residents of Sheridan Beach and Sheridan Heights.

The Club has waterfront property so the display was visible for a wide area around the lake and the hills above Bothell Way.



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Local activities for the 4th of July weekend

Saturday, July 3, 2021

Edmonds holds a 4th of July parade
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Many local 4th of July events are coming back this year. Here's a list of nearby events. 

An Edmonds Kind of 4th - 5k run, traditional parade, and fireworks show sponsored by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce always goes all out for the 4th of July with an emphasis on family activities, particularly the parade. 

The fireworks show is held at the Civic Center, an open air field with concrete bleachers. The Chamber has been staging the 4th for decades.

Sometimes the show is off the field. I was there for the fireworks show 35 years ago. We got there early and were waiting for the show, when the people at the house right next to the stadium started shooting off fireworks. It only took them about 15 minutes to set the roof on fire. Lots of yelling. A few minutes later the fire department arrived to put out the fire.

And here's an option for you - our friends at MyEdmondsNews.com will be livestreaming the fireworks show. Here's the link: https://myedmondsnews.com/2021/07/join-us-for-the-edmonds-4th-of-july-fireworks-live-stream-show-sunday/

Kingston 4th of July - Kingston has been holding big 4th of July events for over a hundred years and their 4th of July brings out twice as many people as live in the small town. No wonder. They have a parade, live music, beer tent, pancake breakfast - and fireworks, but not necessarily in that order.

For years, readers have been telling me they have a secret vantage point where they can see the fireworks from both towns - but they won't tell me where!

It's pretty spectacular to have fireworks on both sides of the water.

Bellevue Family 4th - there are a lot of places in Lake Forest Park / Lake City where you can see the higher fireworks from Bellevue.

T-Town Family 4th Celebration (Tacoma) - you have to be pretty serious about fireworks to drive to Tacoma - but have at it!

Everett Thunder on the Bay - fireworks, live music, food, and family fun - and easier to get to than Tacoma.

Mountlake Terrace has cancelled both the 3rd of July fireworks show and the 2021 Tour de Terrace because of COVID-19 restrictions. 

Kenmore holds a lot of special events during the summer but their 2021 fireworks show from Log Boom Park is cancelled. And fireworks are banned within city limits.



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Fireworks are illegal in Lake Forest Park

With the 4th of July on the horizon, the City of Lake Forest Park would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that the sale, use, or discharge of any fireworks is illegal within the city limits, including those advertised as “safe and sane.”

Keep Lake Forest Park green
Photo by Issy Bailey on Unsplash
In 2002, the Lake Forest Park City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting any person to sell, use or discharge any fireworks, including those considered safe and sane (LFPMC 8.32.020), except by permit. 

The risks associated with private fireworks displays must be minimized for the sake of public safety. 

Nearby communities may have different regulations regarding personal fireworks, but personal fireworks are prohibited in Lake Forest Park.

To help ensure all have a safe and considerate Fourth of July, the City has a zero-tolerance policy and has increased police enforcement through the Fourth of July weekend and beyond, if necessary. 

Anyone using or discharging fireworks of any kind may be issued a civil infraction of $200 up to a misdemeanor charge with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

If you see someone selling or using fireworks, or find any unattended fireworks, please call the police department at 206-364-8216.

To celebrate Independence Day, consider attending a local public fireworks display. The public displays are safe and spectacular, and the pyrotechnicians are trained professionals. 



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Fireworks illegal in Shoreline

Thursday, July 1, 2021


From the City of Shoreline

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, it is important to remember that the sale, possession, use, or discharge of fireworks in the City of Shoreline is illegal. 

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. The record high temperatures this week mean our fire danger is even higher than normal. Fireworks can also cause significant distress to pets and individuals suffering from a variety of health conditions. 

We ask everyone to be respectful of their neighbors and abide by the fireworks ban.

The sale, use, or discharge of fireworks in violation of Shoreline Municipal Code 9.15 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine in an amount not more than $1,000. Each occurrence is considered a separate violation. A third violation in any three-month period is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine in an amount not more than $5,000.

If you see or hear fireworks in your neighborhood, you may report offenders by calling 911 or the Police non-emergency line at 206-296-3311. If there is a fire or other emergency, please call 911. If you have an exact address of where individuals are launching fireworks, it makes it easier for police to address the issue.

It is important to remember that enforcing the no fireworks ban is difficult. Police must see an individual in the act or have enough evidence connecting an individual to launched fireworks to write a citation. 

Even with officers on duty, it is extremely difficult to determine where fireworks are coming from without a visual confirmation. That is why it is important for people calling to report fireworks to provide an address.



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Fire at RB Saltwater Park started by fireworks

Saturday, July 25, 2020

File photo from previous fire
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg


Fireworks at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Friday evening around 11pm started a brush fire.

It covered an area 100' x 20' and was extinguished by Shoreline Fire.

Extinguished, but a reminder, fireworks are illegal and do start fires! Be safe!


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Kenmore fireworks at Log Boom Park

Sunday, July 2, 2017


Tuesday at 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Log Boom Park
Kenmore


Watch the night sky light up and have a fun-filled Fourth of July! The Kenmore Fireworks Show presented by Frank Lumber blasts off at 10:00pm from the Log Boom Park pier, 17415 61st Ave NE.

Prior to the fireworks show, join in the festivities with fun activities and food vendors starting at 7:30pm. The event is free and all you need to bring is a blanket or chair!

Featured Vendors:
  • Spot Hot Dogs and Brats
  • 314 Pie
  • Macho Burgers
  • Chillz Ice Cream
  • Uncle Stinky’s Magic – Light up wearable products and toys

Event parking is available at the following locations:
  • Street parking along NE 175th Street
  • Uplake Professional Center, 5723 NE Bothell Way
  • Church of the Redeemer, 6211 NE 182nd Street

As a reminder, personal fireworks are prohibited in Kenmore city limits.



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Fourth of July: not a pet's favorite holiday

Monday, June 26, 2017

Scared of fireworks
Fireworks are beautiful to look at, but they can be scary for our pets. The bangs and booms are hard on their sensitive hearing, and even the calmest pet can get upset by the unfamiliar loud noises.

To help your pet cope with the noise from fireworks, and reduce the chance that it runs away, Regional Animal Services of King County offers these tips:

  1. Keep your pet secured indoors in the quietest room of your home while fireworks are going off. You can also use soothing music or television as a distraction. Some pets will stay calmer when placed in a secure crate in a darkened, quiet room.
  2. If your pet is normally kept outside, bring them inside or put them in a well-ventilated garage or shed or in a basement during fireworks displays.
  3. Make sure your pet is licensed and has an ID tag or microchip. Pets with ID have a much greater chance of being returned to their owners.
  4. Don't assume that your pet won't react just because you haven't had problems in the past. Sometimes, pets become sensitive to loud noises later in life.

If your pet is lost, check in person at PAWS and check back often. It may take some time before spooked pets are brought to shelters.

PAWS shelters strays from Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Shoreline and Woodinville.
If your pet is not at PAWS, please keep coming back. Your pet may arrive the next day or the next week, and since many animals look alike we cannot guarantee we will be able to match a completed lost report with your pet. Your chances of finding your pet increase if you return to the shelter on a regular basis.

Here's PAWS information for missing pets
Here's PAWS information for when you find a pet

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Fireworks displays nearby

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

A number of cities and a few private groups nearby are staging fireworks displays over the 4th (and even later). Here's a selected list. There will be more information on the websites but note the sites are the main city sites - you may have to do some digging to find specifics.

As many people know, there are good viewing spots where you are see the fireworks without being on site. For example, the Sheridan Beach group is a private homeowner's group, but there are many viewing areas in the high ground over Lake Washington. From some locations it might be possible to see displays from Kenmore's Log Boom Park or Kirkland as well.

On the west side, many people have secret spots for viewing both the Kingston show and the Edmonds show at the same time.

These are from the State Fire Marshall's list, which has every show in the state, hoping that people will go to a show instead of doing their own.

Event:   4th of July Fireworks  
Place:   Lake Washington, Log Boom Park  
Date:    July 4th  
Time:    10:00 p.m. 

Event:   Celebrate Kirkland! 4th of July 
Place:   Marina Park  
Date:    July 4th  
Time:    10:15 p.m. 

Lake Forest Park's Sheridan Beach Club   
Event:   4th of July Fireworks  
Place:   Sheridan Beach Club  
Date:    July 4th  
Time:    10:15 p.m.

Event:   Family 4th at Lake Union  
Place:   Gas Works Park  
Date:    July 4th  
Time:    10:00 p.m.  

Kingston (Kitsap County)
Event:   Kingston Fourth of July Celebration  
Place:   Mike Wallace Park – Appletree Cove 
Date:    July 4th  
Time:    Dusk 

Event:   An Edmonds Kind of 4th   
Place:   Civic Stadium, 6th and Bell  
Date:    July 4th  
Time:    10:00 p.m.

And later in the month:
Event:   Tour de Terrace Festival  
Place:   Evergreen Playfields, 56th Ave. W and 224th St. SW  
Date:    July 25th   
Time:    Approx. 10:00 p.m. 



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