FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2019
City of Renton Contact
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
Anjela Barton, Fire Marshall, Renton Regional Fire Authority, 425-430-7023
Sale and use of fireworks prohibited within Renton city limits
RENTON, WA - City of Renton police and fire officials would like to remind everyone that the sale and use of fireworks is prohibited within Renton city limits. The ban has been in effect since 2005.
The ban was passed by voters in 2005 (R4-5-070(c)97) and is designed to protect both citizens and their property from damage caused by fireworks. Since its inception, there has been a significant reduction in the amount of injuries and property damage.
Renton Police Department and Renton Regional Fire Authority units will patrol specific geographic areas looking for violations and will confiscate all type of fireworks. Citations may also be issued. Violators are subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, the sale, possession, or use of explosive devices such as M-80s, M-100s, and homemade or modified fireworks is a felony offense. Violators will face criminal charges.
In Washington state in 2018, there were 301 fireworks-related incidents reported, including 91 fires and 209 injuries.
A public fireworks display will cap off Renton’s 4th of July Celebration, presented by The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. The festivities at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park will start at 8 a.m. and conclude with the fireworks show at 10 p.m. Entertainment, food, competitions, and activities for all ages will be available. The park will open at 7 a.m.
The discharge of consumer fireworks is permitted in some neighboring jurisdictions, such as unincorporated King County, including Skyway and Fairwood, but fireworks of all types are banned within Renton city limits. The city is using various means to remind residents of the ban. To help protect and educate, the Renton Police Department and Renton Regional Fire Authority have combined on a series of fireworks safety videos.
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 104,100 (2018), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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