Setting off fireworks in Federal Way is illegal
Published 3:29 pm Friday, June 26, 2015
The Federal Way Police Department and South King Fire and Rescue wants to remind residents that fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Federal Way. The Federal Way Police Department will issue civil infractions for fireworks violations.
The two agencies are collaborating and cooperating on community education and enforcement initiatives regarding illegal fireworks.
The police department will have special enforcement teams patrolling the city for violators before, during and after the Fourth of July holiday. Emphasis patrols will cover Celebration Park, Steel Lake Park and other parks, as well as neighborhoods throughout the city.
The police department reminds residents that:
• Fireworks have been illegal in Federal Way for 22 years.
• The department is committed to ongoing education and enforcement efforts.
• Police will respond to citizen complaints regarding noise, safety and non-compliance with the law and regulations.
• Specific neighborhoods and residents with ongoing or repeated violations will be targeted.
• Civil infractions will be issued with an emphasis on enforcement and confiscation of illegal fireworks.
Firework infractions carry a $100 penalty for the first violation, $200 for the second and $300 for the third violation. In all cases, police officers will confiscate fireworks.
“Besides fireworks being illegal in our city, recreational fireworks can be dangerous, resulting in serious burns and eye injuries,” said Chief of Police Andy Hwang.
South King Fire and Rescue Chief Allen Church said, “On behalf of the fire department, we want to wish everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July. This is a great opportunity to rejoice in our independence by attending a community celebration, such as the Red, White and Blues festival at Celebration Park, or one of the many other venues in our area. With the forecast predicting dry and hot weather, we want to remind everyone living within the cities of Federal Way and Des Moines that fireworks are banned for private use.
“In the unincorporated, fireworks are only supposed to be of the safe and sane variety. In either case, we urge everyone to be safe, smart, and very careful this year as we have already seen an increase in the number of fires due to the dry conditions. Remember that together, we can celebrate our nation’s independence without anyone getting hurt or losing their property to fire.
Fireworks pose a significant risk to health and safety. Federal Way residents are encouraged to call 911 to report fireworks violations, or non-emergency calls to 253-835-2121.
