Fire departments across western Washington responded to a series of fires over the Fourth of July weekend, many of them linked to fireworks that were not properly handled or disposed of. Several of the incidents threatened nearby homes, prompting rapid responses from crews. While no deaths were reported, authorities said multiple people were seriously injured in fireworks-related accidents.
Officials are reminding the public that even used fireworks can remain dangerous and should be handled with care.
Kent
One of the most serious incidents occurred in Kent, where three children under the age of 18 were critically injured after finding an unexploded firework on their front porch.
Authorities said the children lit the device, which exploded sooner than expected. All three suffered serious injuries and were transported for medical treatment. Further details about their conditions were not immediately released.
Fire officials continue to warn that unexploded fireworks can detonate unpredictably and should never be handled.
Tacoma
In northeast Tacoma, firefighters responded around 2 a.m. Sunday to a house fire near 24th Street Northeast, about half a mile south of South 356th Street near the BPA Trail.
When crews arrived, flames were shooting from the garage and spreading along the side of the home. A preliminary investigation determined the fire likely started after fireworks were improperly discarded in a garbage can near the house.
Firefighters initially attempted an interior attack but later shifted to a defensive strategy, battling the fire from outside to prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes. No injuries were reported.
Kent Fire
Another fireworks-related house fire was reported in Kent around 2 a.m. Fire officials said fireworks that had already been discharged were placed into a plastic garbage bag or tote next to a home.
“Fireworks that had already been discharged were put into a plastic garbage tote next to the house and ended up starting a fire,” said Pat Pawlak, public information officer for Puget Sound Fire.
The flames burned through the exterior siding of the home. No injuries were reported.
Seattle
Seattle fire crews responded to several incidents throughout the city.
Just before midnight, a house fire broke out on Beacon Avenue South, east of Renton Avenue South near South Fletcher Street. Firefighters searched the affected home and a neighboring residence but found no one inside. Crews removed smoldering debris from the structure, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
About 15 minutes earlier, another fire was reported on West Elmore Street near 33rd Avenue West on the east slope of the Magnolia neighborhood. Investigators said a detached shed caught fire and flames spread to a nearby one story house. The interior of the home was not damaged, though the exterior was scorched. No injuries were reported.
At roughly the same time, firefighters in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood responded to a car fire that spread to a nearby commercial building just south of the SR 99 and SR 599 interchange. Crews were able to extinguish the flames before they entered the building.
Lake Stevens
In Lake Stevens, fire crews spent much of the evening responding to multiple brush fires. One of the fires briefly forced the closure of Lake Stevens Road as firefighters worked to keep the flames from spreading to nearby structures.
Officials said no major injuries were reported in connection with the brush fires.
Injuries
Harborview Medical Center reported treating 68 people for fireworks-related injuries as of 11:15 a.m. Sunday. That number is higher than last year, when 52 people were treated during the same holiday period.
Hospital officials said 24 injuries involved hands, 13 involved eyes, 10 affected other parts of the body, and 21 people suffered injuries to multiple areas.
Fire officials continue to urge the public to fully soak used fireworks in water and place them in a metal container away from structures.
FAQs
What caused many of the fires?
Improper disposal or handling of fireworks caused several fires.
Were any homes seriously damaged?
Some homes had exterior damage, but major losses were limited.
Were there injuries reported?
Yes, including three children critically injured in Kent.
How many fireworks injuries were treated?
Harborview treated 68 people during the holiday week.
How should fireworks be disposed of safely?
Soak them in water and place them in a metal container.
