As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we want to remind everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend. BIPD officers will be out and available for the expected increase in activity and calls for service.
We also would like your help to keep everyone safe. With the continued warm and dry weather forecast through the holiday weekend, the risks of fire are greater than usual. The Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association reminds us that in 2020, fireworks were the cause of 360 fires and 237 injuries in Washington State. A countywide Phase 1 Fire Danger Burn Ban was put in place on June 26, 2021, based on current conditions. Under the Phase I Fire Danger Burn Ban, all outdoor burning permits are suspended until further notice and all burning is prohibited except for recreational or cooking fires in approved devices and locations.
As a reminder, fireworks are prohibited on Bainbridge Island by City ordinance (Chapter 8.28). Violation of the municipal code is a civil infraction and is subject to a monetary penalty and a default amount of $500.00 plus statutory assessments. Continued violation is a misdemeanor offense.
An often-asked question is: “When should I call 911?” Kitsap 911 handles calls for all Fire and Police agencies throughout the county. During peak periods, their priority is threats to life or property. We ask that you call 911 only if you know the specific location where fireworks are being discharged. It is difficult for us to locate the source of fireworks from sound alone; and sometimes that sound may be coming from a location off island. These complaints may be reported online at http://www.kitsap911.org/fireworks.
What’s allowed on Bainbridge Island?
- Display fireworks & special effects (both require a permit)
- Trick or novelty devices (these are small firework devices not classified as a consumer or display firework. Examples include toy caps, toy smoke devices, party poppers, snappers, snakes, glow worms)
What’s not allowed on Bainbridge Island?
- Sparklers (these pose a danger similar to other consumer fireworks, as they burn at a high temperature and can cause injuries and fires)
- Roman candles
- Mine and shell devices
- Aerial shell kits
- Cone fountains
- Firecrackers
We appreciate your cooperation this holiday weekend to keep everyone in our community safe.