Kent Police to add extra patrols for fireworks ban enforcement

Kent Police will staff additional officers July 1-6 to help enforce the city’s ban against fireworks.

In addition to a contingent of officers providing security and traffic control at the Fourth of July Splash event at Lake Meridian, the department is bringing in additional officers to handle what the agency expects to be a high demand for emergency and priority calls based on past experience, according to Police Chief Rafael Padilla.

Fireworks enforcement teams will be assigned to address fireworks violations July 1-6 and are being directed to take enforcement action whenever feasible. Voluntary compliance with the law is the key goal for department.

“I want to recognize the community for their efforts during last year’s holiday,” Padilla said in a news release. “It is a credit to them that we saw a decrease in 911 fireworks calls of 43 percent from 2017. That said, there will still likely be more fireworks complaint calls than we can get to. We are going to do our best to get to every fireworks complaint, but even with the increased staffing we will not have the resources to get to them all.”

It is unlawful for any person to discharge or possess fireworks of any kind within the city. According to city code:

• Discharging fireworks at any time is illegal, and subject to a $250 ticket and the seizure of your fireworks

• Discharge of fireworks in a reckless manner or possession of more than 20 pounds is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine

• The only exception to this ban are public displays that have complied with the appropriate permitting process through the city

Currently, the only permitted public display is at the Splash event at Lake Meridian Park on July 4.

“Splash is a great family friendly free event,” Padilla said. “We are encouraging everyone who wants to celebrate the holiday by watching fireworks do so by attending Splash.”

Residents can assist the police with this stepped up enforcement by calling 911 when fireworks are being discharged in their neighborhoods.

“We ask that residents not call to report general information about fireworks being lit off.” Padilla said. “Instead, we ask residents call 911 only when they can provide specific information regarding the specific location, description of those involved and the type of fireworks being discharged. This will give officers a better likelihood of successfully taking enforcement action. It also frees up 911 lines for other emergency calls for service.”