From staff reports:
As the Fourth of July fast approaches, Federal Way reminds citizens that fireworks of any kind are illegal within city limits.
The discharge of illegal fireworks inside Federal Way is a civil infraction punishable by a ticket.
“Our planning efforts for the Fourth of July are under way,” Police Chief Brian Wilson said at the city council meeting June 19. “Every year, we spend a great deal of time talking with our citizens and notifying them about the fact that fireworks, in the city of Federal Way, are illegal. And (we) provide…notice to the particular neighborhoods and make sure that message is out there.”
The city holds its annual Red, White and Blues Festival in Celebration Park as the alternative to residents doing their own fireworks show. Wilson said a lot of the police department’s resources leading up to the Fourth of July are utilized toward that celebration.
“Our primary focus is safety for citizens for that event. The planning of traffic flow, in and out, safety at the particular park, as well as addressing the concerns of citizens for those who are lighting off illegal fireworks, and to address those violations that are out there,” Wilson said.
The city estimates that the Red, White and Blues Festival attracts thousands of residents annually. Celebration Park will open to event-goers at 5 p.m. July 4, with music and activities beginning at 6 p.m.. Parking is available on-site for $7. Blues acts Bullet Creek, New Blues Brothers and Mr. Pink will all perform during the festivities, and will lead up to the fireworks show scheduled for 10:15 p.m.
There will also be family games and all-ages activities, and sports clinics, running from 6 to 9 p.m.
For more information on the event, contact the City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Cultural Office at (253) 835-6900.
FIREWORKS VIOLATIONS
Federal Way is among at least 22 cities in King County with a ban on fireworks.
Those in violation of Federal Way’s fireworks ordinance can be cited on location and have their fireworks confiscated. A first-time offender will receive a $100 fine. Second- and third-time offenders will be issued a $200 and $300 ticket, respectively. The tickets are similar to a parking citation and can be contested.
Setting off fireworks within city limits has been against city code since Federal Way incorporated in 1990. Special enforcement teams from the Federal Way Police Department will patrol the city for violators before, during and after the Fourth of July holiday. Emphasis patrols will also cover Celebration Park, Steel Lake Park and other parks and neighborhoods throughout the city.
In unincorporated King County, fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight only on July 4.
