The Tacoma Fire Department and the Tacoma Police Department are preparing to roll out this year’s plan to curb illegal fireworks activities through the Independence Day holiday.

According to Tacoma Fire Chief James P. Duggan, 6,300 fliers announcing fireworks are illegal were delivered to all public schools in Tacoma on June 10. Similarly, beginning June 24, 300 “fireworks prohibited” posters will be distributed to local businesses, and 900 “fireworks prohibited” fliers will be distributed throughout neighborhoods identified as “fireworks hot spots.”

Other fireworks prevention activities include:

• Information kiosks at the Downtown, Proctor Street, and South Tacoma Farmers Markets;
• Public outreach at all neighborhood council meetings;
• Delivery of posters and fliers to Tacoma Public Libraries, Metro Parks Tacoma, and neighborhood businesses;
• Posting information on City of Tacoma and Tacoma Fire Department Web sites;
• Display of fireworks ban warnings on electronic reader boards at the Tacoma Dome, Cheney Stadium, fire stations, and police stations.

In addition, form for documenting fireworks injuries will be hand-delivered to area hospital emergency rooms and urgent care centers; the Tacoma Fire Department’s training center will be used to destroy confiscated fireworks; and additional fire and EMS staff will be on duty during the 4th of July holiday to respond to anticipated increases in calls for service.

All fireworks are illegal in the City of Tacoma. Tacoma Police will issue citations for $257 and confiscating fireworks. Residents are encouraged to call (253) 798-4722 to report violations (only use 911 to report emergencies). The police will respond to fireworks-related calls as units become available.

More information is available online here.