The Federal Way Police Department and South King Fire and Rescue are teaming up once again to reduce the danger to public safety and property damage caused by the possession, and use of fireworks in our city.

The ban of fireworks has drastically reduced the amount of fire and injury calls South King Fire and Rescue responds to.

In 2006, officers issued 52 warnings, along with 38 criminal citations. Officers also confiscated over $10,000 in fireworks.

Despite the ban on fireworks, South King Fire & Rescue responded to 16 fires directly or most likely attributed to illegal fireworks use between June 28th and July 5th, 2006, with nine of those occurring in the City of Federal Way. One incident in particular caused $20,000 in damages. Firefighters also responded to one individual who received burns after fireworks ignited in the vehicle he was driving.

The Federal Way Police Department and South King Fire and Rescue and are asking residents to think about the following on this 4th of July:

Sparklers, the most common, and illegal in Federal Way, firework given to small children burn at temperatures high enough to melt gold.

The Federal Way Police Department will be issuing infractions or citations, as well as confiscation if caught using fireworks.

Consider attending the Red, White, and Blues Festival at Celebration Park. Festival begins at 4:00 p.m., following a grand display of fireworks.

Federal Way officers will be actively enforcing all municipal codes related to individuals who are in unlawful possession of fireworks and/or who will unlawfully discharge or use fireworks.

This enforcement will be conducted by a dedicated team of officers and firefighters that will be deployed to respond to fireworks complaints and enforce these laws.

A portion of our City Ordinance No. 92-147 states, "banning the use of all fireworks within the city is the purpose of reducing and/or eliminating the risk of major property damage and risk to public safety which results from the sale, possession, and use of any fireworks."

The goal of our city is to have a safe and enjoyable holiday and minimize the potential risk and hazards that fireworks may cause.

Through education, awareness, and commitment from all citizens, we can all achieve a safe and enjoyable holiday. Through commitment and proactive policing, together we can achieve this goal.

You can anonymously report violators of fireworks by calling our tipline at (253) 835-6799.

For more information regarding this ordinance, please visit our website at www.cityoffederalway.com.