Bothell City Council has just issued a temporary order to immediately prohibit the sale, possession, and use of consumer fireworks effective through July 5, 2021.
Pursuant to Bothell City Code 8.37.215, City Council made this decision based on safety recommendations received from the Interim City Manager, Fire Department, and Police Department in a special meeting held earlier tonight.
With unprecedented heat and dry conditions, city staff and the Fire Marshal have been carefully monitoring the situation and did not make this recommendation lightly. After consulting with regional fire authorities and evaluating area safety risks, our Fire Marshall expressed concern that fireworks present a significant fire risk to community safety. Key indicators such as vegetation moisture, temperature, and humidity metrics established by State and regional authorities all factored into this recommendation.
“We know how disappointing this might be for many in our community, we love to celebrate July 4th as well, however, the safety of our residents and property has to be our top priority,” stated Deputy Chief Butch Noble, Bothell Fire Marshal. “Given all the information we have at this time, we believe even responsible and legal use of fireworks pose an unacceptable fire risk to our community.”
City staff contacted all fireworks stand vendors in advance of this decision to discuss with them. We ask that all residents abide by the temporary order, to help us eliminate safety risks and more importantly, to show respect for your neighbor’s safety and their property.
Direct all media inquiries to Becky Range, Interim Assistant City Manager, becky.range@bothellwa.gov,