MY EDMONDS NEWS
Posted: July 5, 2021
The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce fireworks show over Edmonds Sunday night. (Photo by Julia Wiese)
July 4th fireworks-related calls to Edmonds police were down significantly this year compared to a year ago, and police believe that an increased emphasis on community education coupled with the threat of a $500 fine may have made a difference.
During an approximate 24-hour period starting early morning July 4 through early July 5, police received a total of 48 fireworks-related complaints. That compares with 83 calls during the same time period in 2020, Edmonds police spokesperson Sgt. Josh McClure said.
“We made a concerted effort to put out education all week long and really partnered with the (South County) fire district to share messaging about promoting safety and preventing fire and injuries,” McClure said. Police placed a special emphasis on fireworks safety, and added extra patrols to address unlawful fireworks use in the city, which now carries a $500 fine for first-time offenders.