West Seattle lit up for all the wrong reasons Saturday night as a string of small fires broke out across the neighborhood, with both residents and firefighters pointing the finger at illegal fireworks. Seattle Fire Department crews spent much of the evening chasing brush and rubbish fires as Fourth of July festivities kicked into high gear, dousing flames before they could spread. Photos from the scene showed a shrub burning at 34th Avenue SW and SW Barton Street, with what appeared to be a spent firework lying nearby in the roadway.
Multiple Calls Keep Crews Moving
According to West Seattle Blog, firefighters were handling at least five brush or rubbish fires around West Seattle on the evening of July 4, including a call near 35th Avenue SW and SW Cambridge. The outlet published passerby photos showing the burning shrub and a possible ignition source in the street. West Seattle Blog reported that crews continued monitoring hot spots and responding to new calls as the night wore on.
Fire Department Has Seen This Before
The Seattle Fire Department has long warned that consumer fireworks can easily ignite dry grass, shrubs and other vegetation, then jump to nearby buildings. Its Fire Line blog lists dozens of fireworks-related calls, noting that firefighters handled 58 such incidents in 2023. Officials stress that warm, dry weather can turn even small fireworks into a serious fire risk.
Fireworks Ban Inside City Limits
Within Seattle city limits, the sale, possession, use or discharge of fireworks is illegal unless specifically authorized by a Seattle Fire Department permit. Under city law, the Fire Chief and Seattle Police Department can seize fireworks used in violation of the rules and enforce the ban on consumer use. The Seattle Municipal Code spells out those restrictions and enforcement powers.
How Neighbors Can Help Keep Things From Flaring Up
Officials urge residents to keep hoses or buckets of water close by, clear dry leaves and brush from around homes, and avoid leaving cardboard or other recyclables outside where sparks can catch. The Seattle Fire Department also recommends turning in unused fireworks at police precincts and, when it is safe, sharing photos or video with investigators; guidance is available on its Fire Line blog. For life‑threatening fires or injuries, call 911. Non‑emergency fireworks complaints can go to the city’s 206-625-5011 line.
Anyone with photos or information about the recent West Seattle fires is encouraged to pass them along to authorities as crews wrap up holiday patrols, and local outlets continue to track updates from the scene.
