As Independence Day approaches, the City of Burien is reminding residents that all fireworks are banned within city limits — including possession and discharge — and violations can result in significant fines.
The city’s fireworks ban is intended to reduce the risk of fires, injuries, and trauma for people, pets, and wildlife caused by the loud, explosive nature of fireworks.
“To report a fireworks violation, please call 9-1-1,” the city said in a public notice.
Burien enforces escalating penalties for violations:
- $500 for the first offense
- $2,500 for a second offense
- $5,000 for third and subsequent violations
A key part of the ordinance is the “social host” clause, which makes property owners and renters responsible for any fireworks discharged on their property — whether or not they are present or personally involved.
According to the city, the responsible party may include “person(s) with the right to control the property,” those who are in immediate control during the incident, or individuals who “organize, supervise, sponsor, conduct, allow, or control access” to the activity.
Property management companies are also liable for ensuring their properties remain fireworks-free and may be fined if fireworks are discharged.
Multilingual flyers about the ban are available on the city’s website in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese to help neighbors spread awareness.
Burien can REMIND people all year long about fireworks, but, when will they ACTUALLY ENFORCE IT?!? I call all year long about the same 2 houses RANDOMLY lighting them off in our neighborhood, yet NOTHING ever happens about it! RIDICULOUS!!! I expect better from the police around here, but, apparently my expectations are WAY TOO HIGH……So disappointing…..
Hilarious.. allowing folks to smoke drugs and sell them in the public, allowing indecent exposure on main public sidewalks and destruction of enviroment, with police shrugging their shoulders in the heart of Burien WITH NO REPERCUSSIONS !
AND YOU DECIDE FIREWORKS IS WHAT STEPS OVER THE LINE ?! LOL GOODLUCK WITH THAT WHEN EVERYONE STARTS LIGHTING THEM OFF REGARDLESS
If we’re concerned with laws being broken, why is it ok to break other laws in response? Folks that are lighting off fireworks until three in the morning are terrorizing their neighbors, their pets, and likely veterans suffering from PTSD that they think they’re celebrating. It’s selfish. There are areas of WA where fireworks are legal. Burien isn’t one of them. The 4th is always on the 4th. Why not plan for it and light off these explosives where it’s allowed instead of in the middle of urban areas?
Except my example above lasted for YEARS in Burien! ! ! Fourth of July is ONE DAY that has been a past time of celebration and tradition since 1776 in the US, so I strongly beg to differ and I don’t even light off fireworks.
(This includes Burien where for many years fireworks were legal but regardless of the ban look at how that did last night and every year prior – again you’ll never stop fireworks on the 4rth. What you should do yourself is prepare better as you probably can see what happens every year regardless.)
Fireworks aren’t going anywhere – sure maybe your local TNT stands in grocery store lots might disappear, but common sense says you’ll never get rid of them or stop people on the 4rth, maybe because Indian reservations will never stop selling them as they have that right and will forever. Where people light them off typically will be close to where they’re staying that night – fireworks is usually a social event.
Well lets see you light a firework in burien you get a simple ticket or the police mail you a citation but some people report fireworks and expect the swat team and ice to come pull up with a bunch of big guns toss everyone to the ground beat the crap out them for lighting off a firework
I don’t want or expect swat teams to go after people for fireworks. I do expect my neighbors to respect local laws, and I don’t want some drunk idiot to light my yard or house on fire because they’re not respecting the ban. Simple question, why is it ok to break laws you don’t agree with and terrorize your neighbors and their pets? What makes you that important? (Hypothetical you directed to fireworks lighters). July 4th is the one of the worst days for animals to run because they’re scared of the explosions. Folks should behave like adults and go somewhere where it’s legal if they want to partake in fireworks and let those that don’t exist in peace.
Yeah if they go some where else that would be great but then you would have that drunk idiot out driving on the roads and most likely at night to get home. I have notice there are not as many regular fireworks and not as many of the big booms . I think the issue for the police is having the proof of who lit what off and how to prove it in court so the right person gets charged . Then of course that person will just hire attorney have them fight it and get ticket dismissed or droped for some reason.