Fireworks Illegal In Shoreline

Press release from the City of Shoreline:

June 29, 2020

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, it is important to remember that the sale, possession, use, or discharge of fireworks in the City of Shoreline is illegal. Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Fireworks can also cause significant distress to pets and individuals suffering from a variety of health conditions. We ask everyone to be respectful of their neighbors and abide by the fireworks ban.

The sale, use, or discharge of fireworks in violation of Shoreline Municipal Code 9.15 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine in an amount not more than $1,000. Each occurrence is considered a separate violation. A third violation in any three-month period is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine in an amount not more than $5,000.

Shoreline Police enforce the City’s year-round fireworks ban. If you hear fireworks in your neighborhood, you may report offenders by calling 911 or the Police non-emergency line at (206) 296-3311. If you have an exact address of where individuals are launching fireworks, it makes it easier for police to address the issue.

Shoreline Police will have extra patrols on duty July 2-4. However, it is important to remember that even with extra patrols, enforcing the no fireworks ban is difficult. Police must see an individual in the act or have enough evidence connecting an individual to launched fireworks to write a citation. Even with extra officers on duty, it is extremely difficult to determine where fireworks are coming from without a visual confirmation. That is why it is important for people calling to report fireworks to provide an address.

This press release was produced by the City of Shoreline. The views expressed here are the author’s own.