To the editor:
We experienced a serious fire threat to our neighborhood last night and I did not know where to call for information or help. Actually this situation may still be a future threat. The problem is: one neighbor’s lack of concern for fire safety. (NAME/ADDRESS: Lee, 11449 5th Avenue South – middle house on short street). He was shooting off fireworks (for 2-3 hours) that burst just above the treetops above our yard spraying lighted particles in all directions. We could hear the crackle and feel the ashes as they landed on our skin. Even if this was “not illegal” - as they claimed - there certainly was a high risk of setting extremely dry bushes, trees, grass and houses on fire in our densely populated neighborhood. The neighbor, Mr. Lee and his wife, dismissed my concerns when I expressed my safety fears to them.

Internet information is confusing. We have a Seattle Address but we are not within the city limits. We live in the North Highline area (across from Burien city limits on 116th) in what is considered Unincorporated King County. Fireworks are banned in both Burien and Seattle but apparently are permitted in Unincorporated King County. The Internet notice states:
Avoid using aerial type fireworks
Use away from buildings, houses with wood shingles, trees and dry fields.
Remember if it has a stick or fins and it goes up or if it blows up, it is illegal in the state of Washington.
In other places it does say it is permitted to set off fireworks on designated days and times.

Can you provide specific information as to who to contact about a problem like this? What is the specific law number? Where is our nearest fire station?
We do what we can with watering our property but I know that an intense fire could move right through the wetness. I don’t know when watering will be banned so that is another issue besides our already elevated water bill. This neighbor has no right to keep a person or neighborhood hostage to their risky behavior. What resources do I have to deal with this problem?

Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Jeanie Barrett

New resident to the Beverly Park neighborhood
PS Additionally, I have been told that this neighbor has an open pit in his yard that he uses for family barbecues. Occasionally I see at least 3 foot flames flaring up from a barbecue that is sitting on a wooden porch. I have never seen anyone who had such a disregard for fire prevention and safety. I’m concerned about their risky fire use behavior not only for them, but also, for us near-by neighbors.

CC Sheriff John Urquhart
                  King County Sheriff, Major Jerrell Wills, Precinct 4  Burien Police, Chief K. Scott Kimerer, Precinct 4  King County Councilmember Joe Mc Dermott  North Highline Fire District, Chief Mike Marrs                                      
 Senator Sharon Nelson, Leg. District 34  Representative Eileen Cody, Leg. District 34  Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, Leg. District 34