…unless those fireworks hurt someone or start something on fire. That’s the message from the Seattle Police and Fire Departments:
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. Each and every one of these incidents could have been prevented.
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 Seattle Police and Seattle Fire Department wish you a safe and enjoyable 4th of July celebration!
We know this won’t dissuade anyone from using incendiaries to display their patriotism, but do be safe out there.
For those planning on watching the fireworks on Lake Union, know any good places to watch that don’t involve fighting the crowds at Gas Works Park?
7 responses so far ↓
1 hinto // Jul 1, 2009 at 1:51 pm
hahah.. no, i’m not giving up my favorite spot on a blog, silly wabbit!
2 Neighbor // Jul 1, 2009 at 2:33 pm
You are correct in stating that the crowds at Gas Works Park are to be avoided — especially considering that the city *refuses* to conduct an environmental study on the contaminated soil below, which could release harmful chemicals in the area if trudged upon. But by advocating that people watch this fireworks show in any way, you are in fact promoting a giant slap in the face to all of us who strive to protect the local fish and marine life — the true Native Americans — that are adversely affected by the Lake Union fireworks as well as by the dirty powerboats that pollute our bodies of water every summer!
3 Ramrod // Jul 1, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I swear – it could start raining hundred dollar bills from the sky and Satellites would find a way to complain about it.
4 Yura // Jul 2, 2009 at 7:16 am
If you’re close to the 28 bus line, it’s an easy way to get in and out of Fremont (running up 8th Ave NW).
5 Mister // Jul 2, 2009 at 1:23 pm
“it could start raining hundred dollar bills from the sky and Satellites would find a way to complain about it”
No doubt global warming would be the culprit.
6 Lexicon Girl // Jul 2, 2009 at 6:19 pm
So as a native Seattleite who refuses to buy into the whiny complainable mentality, here are my faves for non-Gasworks spots for the fireworks. You can also park a ways away and have a nice urban hike (ahem, long walk) to and from Gasworks.
- The Aurora Bridge
- Any of the handful of parks on the West Face of Capitol Hill (there are a couple down by the houseboats on Eastlake, too) or the East face of Queen Anne Hill
- The Center for Wooden Boats
- Kenmore Air (call first to ask permission)
- BlueWater Bistro (SLU) or McCormick and Schmicks
- Any of the public moorage docks along and around Lake Union (that are unlocked and not private)
And finally, my favorite as a teenager: Sneak in to one of the large corporate buildings along lake Union like you work there. Join parties-in-progress on the verandas and pretend you were invited. Fun for the whole family!
Good luck!
7 MonkeyPilot // Jul 2, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Aren’t the fireworks actually fired from a barge in Lake Union, rather than the park itself? I seem to recall they were in years past.
Maybe they ought to just stick to shooting them from the Space Needle. I doubt any of the NIMBYs would have a problem with that, if it’s okay for New Year’s Eve.
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