Accountability for Unsafe Fireworks and Fires

Last July, the Key Peninsula fire department responded to a wildfire started by fireworks off Crescent Beach Road NW. This single incident consumed over 90 minutes of emergency response resources and cost taxpayers at least $16,000.

This wasn’t an isolated event. Social media posts dating back over the past few years revealed dozens of reports of unsafe, dangerous, and illegal fireworks use on the Key Peninsula, yet there is no record of any violator ever being held accountable.

That can change June 8 when the Pierce County Council Public Safety Committee convenes responsible agencies, including the Pierce County Fire Marshal, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Fire Protection Bureau, and South Sound 911, to report their readiness for the upcoming July Fourth fireworks season and how offenses can be reported and will be prosecuted.

This is our opportunity to demand accountability. I will be there.

Last Fourth of July, a neighbor unsafely discharged fireworks directly into the tree canopy, igniting brush and shrubs in the understory. The only reason we avoided a fire comparable to the Crescent Beach incident is that an adjacent property owner acted immediately with multiple garden hoses. I am certain that a similar story will play out this Fourth of July. I intend to press responsible agencies to demonstrate that they have an effective, proven process to hold accountable anyone discharging fireworks unsafely or illegally.

Your story matters too. Public comments from residents are what compel officials to act. Make your voice heard about unsafe fireworks: Attend the Pierce County Council Public Safety Committee meeting in person or online. Sign up to provide public comment, share your experience briefly and specifically. June 8, 1:30 p.m. at 1501 Market Street in Tacoma, or attend online. Follow the instructions here: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1430/Council-Committee-Meetings.

We deserve the safety and protection these agencies are responsible for providing. Let’s make sure they know we expect it and that we need a clear process for reporting violations and supporting the enforcement of safe fireworks use in our community.

Trent Hesslink, Home