The Tacoma Fire Department responded to 13 calls for service related to fireworks activity between June 26 and July 6, according to Acting Fire Chief Jeff Jensen. In a July 7 memo to City Manager Eric Anderson, Jensen notes the fires — which involved two structures, two Dumpsters, and nine general outside fires (grass, brush, and trees) — caused $85,550 in damage. The most damage was caused at 1431 E. 30th St., where a structure fire caused $85,000 in property damage. Similarly, five people were admitted to local hospital emergency rooms as a result of fireworks-related injuries during the same period.

This year’s statistics are better than previous years. Last year, Tacoma Fire responded to 58 calls for service causing $50,235 in property damage related to fireworks activity and eight people visited local emergency rooms during a similar period. In 2008, Tacoma Fire responded to 22 calls for service causing $49,200 in property damage related to fireworks activity and 21 people visited local emergency rooms. In 2007, Tacoma Fire responded to 19 calls for service causing $3,100 in property damage related to fireworks activity and eight people visited local emergency rooms. In 2006, Tacoma Fire responded to 30 calls for service causing $63,500 in property damage related to fireworks activity and 12 people visited local emergency rooms. And in 2005, Tacoma Fire responded to 25 calls for service causing $60,890 in property damage related to fireworks activity and 25 people visited local emergency rooms.

Fireworks are illegal in the City of Tacoma. According to Jensen, 10 posters and 30 fliers warning of dangers related to illegal fireworks were posted throughout the city’s business districts. Approximately 1,000 fliers were delivered door-to-door in five different neighborhoods identified as “hot spots” for illegal fireworks. Approximately 3,000 fliers were distributed to students in Tacoma schools. Approximately 400 fliers were passed out and street fairs and farmers markets. Also, the Puyallup Tribe hosted a designated area for lighting fireworks near “Fireworks Alley” and a medic-equipped fire engine was on-site to assist with any medical or fire emergencies.