The Federal Way Police Department and South King Fire and Rescue are reminding 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 21 years.

• The department is committed to ongoing education and enforcement efforts.

• The department will respond to citizen complaints regarding noise, safety and non-compliance with the law and regulations and enforcement is the priority.

• 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.

“As parents and adults, we have a responsibility to protect our children. While most parents work year round to keep their children safe, if they shoot off fireworks just once a year, they are placing their children at substantial risk,” says Chief Andy Hwang. “Safety is our number one priority.”

South King Fire and Rescue’s assistant to the Fire Marshal Gordy Goodsell warns against what he calls, “the continued injuries following the unnecessary use of illegal fireworks” that he has seen in past years.

“Consumer fireworks are dangerous and they should not be used,” Goodsell said.

He strongly recommends watching the professional displays as a way to enjoy Independence Day and urges parents to set the example for their children by staying away from illegal fireworks.  “The fires and injuries that we see, which are related to fireworks, are 100 percent preventable,” he added.

South King Fire responds to a steady number of firework-related fires annually within the fire district, which encompasses the city limits of Federal Way, Des Moines and unincorporated King County. Due to the fireworks ban in Federal Way and Des Moines, firework-related incidents are decreasing from previous years, a positive trend with the safety and welfare of citizens and visitors, officials noted.

Experience proves that fireworks pose a significant risk to health and safety. Federal Way residents are encouraged to call 911 to report fireworks violations.

The city sponsors an annual Red, White and Blues Fesival on July 4. Entertainment begins at 4 p.m. at Celebration Park, located at 1095 S. 324th St. There is no entrance fee; however, there is a $7 charge for parking on-site that opens at 3 p.m. The firework display will begin at 10:15 p.m., with a spectacular choreographed fireworks show.

For more information on the free show, visit www.cityoffederalway.com/RWB