Gun powder patriots and amateur pyrotechnicians have been hard at work already in this gateway to Capitol Hill summer. It’s probably only going to get louder leading up to next Friday’s July 4th holiday. And more irritating.
“From a standard of living — having kids scared, pets freaking out — it’s very rude and inconsiderate,” a Seattle Police spokesperson tells CHS. It’s also 100% illegal.
Possessing fireworks in the city is against the law. Firing them off? There’s another busted statute. But that hasn’t stopped a flurry of booming activity around Central Seattle in recent weeks. CHS gets nightly email and messages via Twitter about bangs and booms this time of year. It’s a larger, more dangerous nuisance for police. Earlier this week, CHS heard a very spooked East Precinct cop report possible gunfire near his location via police radio. His colleagues quickly assured that the bangs were fireworks.
The SPD spokesperson we talked to said the department this year will again ask citizens to try to use discretion in calling 911 about booms and bangs as the 4th of July approaches. Before you call, look out the window to see if there is a nearby disturbance. But even the spokesperson admitted there’s often no telltale sign that a bang was fireworks and not gunfire. With some of the ordinance a few of you have apparently armed yourself with this summer on Capitol Hill, it’s even more difficult to tell.
The stress adds up in a city dealing with what seems like a rising tide of gun violence. Still, the sizzle of a bottle rocket, or the pop of a firecracker — to many — is a sound of summer. If you’re going to indulge, consider your neighbors. Drop CHS a Tweet or shout, “Fireworks!” or something. Or maybe considering downgrading your arsenal. We’re told bang snaps or pop-its are completely legal. Same with party poppers. Better yet, visit these lovely places near Seattle where fireworks are legal. Or just wait for the pros to handle things on the big night.
Have fun, be safe and, if you’re in doubt, check in with @jseattle on Twitter. If it’s the middle of the night and nearly July 4th, we’re probably talking about fireworks. Happy Independence Day.
