Kent city and fire officials are asking residents to be extra careful with discharging fireworks this year because of the dry conditions and to even consider not setting off any fireworks.
“This is an unusual year with hot temperatures and dry conditions that combine to create a high fire danger,” Mayor Suzette Cooke said. “We strongly encourage the public to attend a professional fireworks show like the city of Kent’s Fourth of July Splash at Lake Meridian Park and avoid the use of personal fireworks this year.”
Fire danger is extremely high in King County, said Kyle Ohashi, public information officer for the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority. Fire officials offer several tips for residents to reduce the chance of fires and injuries.
• Instead of discharging fireworks, consider going to one of the many professional fireworks displays offered throughout the Puget Sound region. The shows are free and the hot weather means it will be comfortable when the shows begin, which is typically at 10 p.m.
• Only purchase legal fireworks. Legal fireworks are those that can be purchased at local fireworks stands. Many of the fireworks sold at Indian reservations stands are illegal in Kent.
• When purchasing legal fireworks, look at buying those that do not fly in an uncontrolled manner.
• Because of the increased danger of fires, only discharge fireworks on a flat surface and well away from any combustible materials. These include grasses, shrubs, fences, decks and shake roofs.
• Keep a garden hose nearby when discharging fireworks and make sure it can reach all parts of the property where the fireworks are being used.
• Be a good neighbor when discharging fireworks and do not endanger other people’s property.
• Call 911 immediately if vegetation or structures catch fire. Fires will spread very fast with the extremely dry ground conditions.
The Kent Police Department also announced last week that it will increase emphasis patrols this year, with teams of officers looking for people illegally discharging fireworks. Kent only allows fireworks to be used on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fines for illegal fireworks or illegal discharging can be as high as $250 per infraction.
“Each year, we hear about fireworks being illegally discharged in the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday,” Police Chief Ken Thomas said. “We are deploying additional officers for vigorous enforcement.”
City Council President Dana Ralph also encouraged residents to use extra precautions.
“The City Council would urge all of our residents to celebrate the Fourth in a safe and responsible way…If you do decide to light off legal fireworks in Kent we are asking you to use extreme caution and keep yourselves and your neighbors safe.”
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