Renton officials remind us to not use fireworks

Local fireworks shows and Fourth of July events keep tradition

It’s already time again for bright lights, pops, oohs and ahhs of a fun, and safe, Independence Day. Here is a list of great events, fireworks rules and local closures for the holiday.

Coulon firework display

The annual fireworks display at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park will start at 10 p.m. Early birds can camp out for a good spot as early as 7 a.m.

Entertainment, food, competitions and activities, including a volleyball tournament and drum party, will be available all day after 8 a.m. Here’s the schedule:

■ 8 a.m. -Volleyball Tournament

■ 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Kids ActivityZone

■ 12:30 p.m. – Renton City Concert Band

■ 2:30 p.m. – Bubble Up Show

■ 4:30 p.m. – Ian Dobson’s Steel Drum Party

■ 6:30 p.m. – Steppin’ Together Dance Performance

■ 7 p.m. – Official Welcome

■ 8 p.m. – Oncore R&B Dance Hits

■ 10 p.m. – Fireworks show

The 25-minute public firework show will be presented by The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington.

Parking is limited, there’s also parking at the top-two floors of the Landing parking garage, and $25 parking garage at Southport. Vehicles parked along Lake Washington Boulevard North will be towed. There’s no shuttle for the event.

Here’s a video with more information on the Coulon event:

More information on the event is available at rentonwa.gov/4thofJuly.

Safety and the Firework Ban

Last year, Renton confiscated five times more fireworks than in 2017, at an $8,000 value. That’s because fireworks are banned within Renton city limits for the last 14 years, but 2018 was the first time for the zero-tolerance plan.

In order to prevent this, Renton Police Department and Renton Regional Fire Authority have released a series of videos preparing Renton residents for the Fourth.

In the videos, police and firefighters wanted to remind folks that both departments would patrol for illegal firework use. A fourth video also offers this information in Spanish.

All fireworks are prohibited within Renton, including sparklers. Those caught can have their fireworks confiscated, and possibly get a ticket or fine ranging from $100 to $500.

The sale, possession or use of explosive devices, or homemade, modified fireworks is a felony offense and violators face criminal charges, according to a City of Renton press release.

In a second video, local leaders offered fire safety tips from two firefighters, for those who live outside Renton city limits:

■ Never let children handle fireworks. “Sparklers may seem safe, but they burn at 1,800 degrees.”

■ Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

I f you are outside city limits, always light fireworks in an open area away from buildings or cars.

■ Always have a bucket of water handy, to put out accidental fires.

Closures

The Thursday holiday results in some public closures, including all city of Renton offices.

The King County Libraries will also be closed all day. The Renton Regional Fire Authority Administrative Offices will also be closed.