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June 26, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kitsap County urges safe fireworks practices for 4th of July celebrations
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – As Independence Day approaches, Kitsap County officials are urging residents to prioritize safety during the fireworks season, especially given the current drought and projected drying conditions that elevate the risk of fires. The combination of dry weather and fireworks poses a significant danger to our community, making it crucial for everyone to follow guidelines and exercise extreme caution.
Each year, thousands of people, including many children and teens, suffer injuries due to fireworks. Beyond injuries, the risks associated with fireworks include devastating burns, fires, and even fatalities.
"We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but safety must come first. Simple precautions can prevent tragic accidents,” said Fire Marshal David Lynam.
Safety Tips for Handling Fireworks
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Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize safety measures and follow recommended guidelines for handling fireworks.
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Discharge Fireworks Safely: Discharge fireworks from your property and ensure that no part of the firework, including embers, leaves your property. Individuals and property owners may be held liable for any damage caused by fireworks. Violators of fireworks regulations may face fines up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
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Dispose of Fireworks Properly: Soak used fireworks in water for at least 15 minutes, wrap them in plastic, and place them in the garbage. To avoid water pollution, do not pour leftover water down sinks or storm drains.
Key Dates and Regulations
Residents should be aware of the specific dates and times when fireworks are permitted:
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Sales Permitted: June 28 to July 4, noon - 11 p.m.
- Discharge Permitted:
- Unincorporated Kitsap County, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard: July 4, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Bremerton: From 11 a.m. on July 3 to noon on July 5.
- Bainbridge Island: No fireworks allowed.
Fireworks are prohibited in all Kitsap County parks. Please be courteous to your neighbors and mindful of the effect that fireworks can have on individuals, pets, and other animals by limiting firework discharge to legally established days and hours.
Celebrate with Professional Displays
Residents are encouraged to attend organized public fireworks displays for a safer and more enjoyable experience. Local events include:
- Bremerton Bridge Blast: June 29, 10:15 p.m.
- Fathoms O’ Fun: July 6, 10 p.m.
- Kingston Fireworks: July 4, 10 p.m.
Save 911 Calls for True Emergencies
During the busy Fourth of July holiday, Kitsap 911 can get overwhelmed by callers reporting loud or illegal fireworks. These calls may delay or block others with life-threatening emergencies from reaching 911.
Law enforcement and fire personnel will be focused on emergency events. Protecting lives and prioritizing property will be their top priorities.
To report a fireworks complaint that poses a threat to life or property, call 911. Examples include:
- Someone is injured from a firework.
- There is a fire started by a firework.
- You witness someone attempting to start a fire with a firework.
- You witness someone assaulting someone with a firework.
Reporting Fireworks Nuisance Complaints
Most fireworks complaints are nuisance-related. While fireworks can be noisy, annoying and, in some cases, illegal, their use does not necessarily constitute an emergency. To report nuisance complaints, follow this guidance for your location:
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Unincorporated Kitsap County: File an online report with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office via their Public Safety Citizens Service Portal. This service is available 24-hours a day. Please select the ‘information only’ option when filing your report.
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Cities – Bremerton, Port Orchard & Poulsbo: Report firework nuisance issues on the Kitsap 911 Fireworks Complaint page. This website will be available from 9 a.m., Friday, June 28, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 7. Information collected by this website will be relayed to the appropriate jurisdiction for review and statistical analysis after the holiday.
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Bainbridge Island: On July 3 and July 4, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., illegal fireworks complaints can be made by calling the Bainbridge Island Police Department at 206.842.5211. Priority will be given to calls that include a specific location where fireworks are being discharged. Fireworks nuisance complaints - outside of the previously mentioned dates and times - can be made on the Kitsap 911 Fireworks Complaint page.
Kitsap County is working with local fire districts to disseminate safety information. Residents can find detailed guidelines, safety tips, and a list of approved fireworks stands on the Kitsap County fireworks website.
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Links used in this document:
Public Safety Citizens Service Portal: https://report.citizenserviceportal.com/home/Agency?AgencyCode=kcsowa
Kitsap 911 Fireworks Complaint page: www.kitsap911.org/fireworks
Kitsap County fireworks website: https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/Kitsap-County-Fireworks-Information.aspx
Website: www.kitsap.gov
Sign up for our updates: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKITSAP/subscriber/new
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