King County Sheriffs to increase patrols, enforce firework rules in unincorporated communities

July 2, 2019 1:30 pm
King County Sheriffs to increase patrols, enforce firework rules in unincorporated communities

King County’s unincorporated communities will get assistance in keeping the Fourth of July holiday safe, with a $25,000 boost in sheriff funding for increased patrols.

County Councilmembers Joe McDermott, Larry Gossett and Reagan Dunn announced that funds for the King County Sheriff’s Office were prioritized in the county budget. These patrols will be on the lookout for illegal firework usage during the Fourth of July holiday.

“With growing concerns over public safety, these funds for the sheriff are intended to ensure a safe Fourth of July celebration for everyone,” McDermott said.

“It is important that residents of our unincorporated areas can celebrate our Independence Day, but do it in a safe and legal manner,” Gossett said. “These increased patrols will go a long way to ensure that.”

A total of $25,000 was prioritized to cover 300 hours of extra emphasis, which will be split among three sheriff precincts – Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest King County.

“The additional funding that we received from the King County Council is being used to proactively respond to illegal firework calls,” said Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht. “We want everyone to have a safe Fourth of July.”

In unincorporated King County fireworks may only be discharged on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. Residents are encouraged to act responsibly when using fireworks. Examples of legal fireworks include cone fountains, smoke devices, mines/shells/cakes, wheels, parachutes, roman candles, ground spinners, cylindrical fountains, sparklers, and poppers.

Discharge of legal fireworks is allowed within Auburn city limits between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., July 4 only. Fireworks may be discharged at the Muckleshoot fireworks stands, now through July 5; Sunday through Thursday between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m..; and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 12 a.m.

There are a number of free firework shows around King County. The cities of Auburn, Bellevue, Carnation, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Mountlake Terrace, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, and Tukwila are hosting public fireworks displays on July 4. See each city’s website or social media for more information.

For more information about how to use fireworks safely and legally, go to kingcounty.gov.