Local fire departments anticipate a busy, dangerous holiday weekend



LYNNWOOD, Wash. -- The city of Lynnwood is not taking any chances in this hot, dry weather.

Officials warn anyone lighting off fireworks within the city limits could be in big trouble. Lynnwood police arrested two men after they allegedly set off fireworks,  causing a small brush fire near the Alderwood Mall.

This is the first year fireworks are completely banned in Lynnwood but they’re not hard to find. Just past the city limits, in unincorporated Snohomish County, fireworks are legal.

The Lynnwood Fire Department has planned for a very busy holiday weekend.

Fireworks sparked a fire last week at Meadowdale High School. The Fourth of July weekend means all hands are on deck at Lynnwood Fire.

“My gut thought is that we’re going to have, well, more grass fire responses than we’ve had in the past 10 years,” said Fire Chief Scott Cockrum.

The welcome sign into Lynnwood’s city limits comes with a warning, reminding drivers the city’s new ban on fireworks is in effect.

On Tuesday, two men didn’t get the message and they were arrested for sparking a fire that scorched this grass near Interstate 5.

“They’re looking at gross misdemeanors,” said police Cmdr. Wes Deppa. “So up to a $5,000 fine and potentially some time in jail.”

Jerry Smith, mayor of nearby Mountlake Terrace, sells legal fireworks just beyond Lynnwood’s city limits. The profits help pay for the Tour de Terrace parade and festival at the end of July.

Smith supports a statewide fireworks ban, but only if everyone abides.

“I’d support it, too, if they’ll ban it all, from the Indians and everybody else,” said Smith. “But prove to me you can do that.”

“I would anticipate our call volume tripling over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Cockrum.