City of Redmond Fire Department urges citizens to attend public fireworks displays due to fire danger; fireworks are not allowed in the City of Redmond
Published 10:32 am Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Redmond Fire Department Chief Tommy Smith is urging citizens to attend one of the many professional public fireworks displays during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.
Prolonged dry weather and below average spring rainfall have cured grass and vegetation growth, creating more fuel nearly six weeks earlier than normal. There are dozens of professional fireworks displays all over the Puget Sound region, including Redmond’s own fireworks display at Derby Days at 10 p.m. July 11 on the City Hall campus.
“The early onset of very hot and dry weather right before the Fourth of July is creating a dangerous combination,” said Smith. “I want to remind residents that personal fireworks are restricted within city limits.”
If you are going to be using fireworks in an unrestricted area, be sure to remember these safety tips:
• Know fireworks laws in the area you are in.
• Purchase only legal fireworks.
• Ensure the safety of your pets.
• Have a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks.
• Keep a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks.
• Clear a level area away from things that can burn.
• Know the emergency number to call (911), your address/location, and basic first aid.
• Teach your children to “stop, drop, and roll” if their clothes catch on fire.
Fire department officials are also urging citizens’ celebrations to voluntarily exclude the use of fireworks in areas of unincorporated King County and Fire District 34.
Smith added: “Fireworks are not banned in Fire District 34 (unincorporated King County), but all of the King County fire agencies are urging citizens to attend one of the many professional public fireworks displays during the Fourth of July weekend. Please help us support community safety during this unusual and dangerous wildfire season by excluding fireworks from private celebrations and participating in a voluntary ban of fireworks in Fire District 34.”
Last year in King County, fire agencies responded to nearly 200 fire calls with 82 of them related to fireworks, as reported in the 2014 Washington State Fire Marshal report.
“Please consider reducing the fire danger by participating in a voluntary ban of fireworks and celebrating this holiday with a high concern for our community’s safety,” Smith said.
While the fire department says it is not advisable to light fireworks, they urge citizens to follow the three B’s: – Be Prepared, Be Safe and Be Responsible.
Fireworks may only be discharged in unincorporated King County from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
For more information on fireworks safety and this year’s public displays, visit www.kingcounty.gov.
