The City of Kirkland’s year-round fireworks ban prohibits the sale and use of all consumer fireworks as part of an effort to eliminate fires, injuries and calls for service.

The city’s fireworks ban has reduced the number of fire-related accidents and complaints in the last decade, according to a news release. The City is encouraging families to enjoy the public display of fireworks in downtown Kirkland at 10:15 p.m. this Fourth of July.

As in the past, during the Fourth of July weekend, the Kirkland Police Department (KPD) and the Kirkland Fire Department (KFD) will be conducting emphasis patrols in unmarked vehicles responding to reports of fireworks to enforce Kirkland’s ban on consumer fireworks.

Ban details

Per Kirkland Municipal Code 11.60.030, “it is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in the retail sale of, or to sell, possess, use, transfer, discharge or explode any fireworks of any kind within the city” with the following exceptions:

· Public displays performed by a Washington State licensed pyrotechnician;

· Proximate fireworks (includes theatrical use of fire); and

· Sparklers at specific events such as weddings, religious services, etc.

All activities related to public displays and proximate fireworks shall be in accordance with RCW 70.77 and WAC 212-17 and shall be reviewed by the fire marshal’s office. For information on public display permitting requirements or about the ban, contact the fire marshal’s office at 425-587-3661.

Reporting violations

If you observe a fireworks emergency, call 911. If you want to report fireworks being discharged near your property or in a public park or if you observe fireworks sales within city limits, contact the NORCOM Dispatch Center at 425-557-5656. Fireworks complaint calls to NORCOM will be prioritized among all other calls for service.

Fireworks and pets

The city advises residents to protect pets over the July 4 weekend by keeping them secured indoors since loud noises may cause them to stray. It is recommended that pets have two forms of identification (e.g. King County pet license, name tag, microchip), as this will help reunite owners with pets should they stray. If looking for a lost pet, contact Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) at 206-296-3936, lostpets@kingcounty.gov or www.kingcounty.gov/LostPet.

Fire safety tips

The KFD encourages residents to help prevent fires with the following advice:

· Use caution with any open flame (e.g. barbecue grills, tiki torches, fire pits) and never leave an open flame unattended;

· Never grill inside;

· Properly dispose of cigarette butts; and

· Use power equipment safely in dry grass.

This is taken from a City of Kirkland news release.