Fireworks are illegal within Burien city limits, so even if you’re ‘safe and sane’ and only setting off a Sparkler or one of those classic old ‘Snakes,’ that spew a strange mix of surely-toxic yet cool-looking chemicals, you’re still breaking the law buddy, so get to know the rules:

“We would like to remind residents that possession, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of Burien,” reads a statement from the city. “As the 4th of July holiday weekend approaches, local fire departments urge families to enjoy fireworks the safer way by attending locally sanctioned fireworks shows presented by professionals who adhere to safety codes. Anyone caught with fireworks within the city limits will be issued a citation, and the fireworks they have in their possession will be confiscated.”

However, fireworks are legal in Normandy Park, so head on up First Ave South to the stand at the QFC; just be sure to set ‘em off before returning to B-Town.

NP does have some rules though:

• Fireworks may be discharged only during the times below:
  • June 28: Between noon and 11pm
  • June 29 through July 3rd: Between 9am and 11pm
  • July 4: Between 9am and Midnight
  • July 5th: Between 9am and 11pm
• Fireworks may be sold June 28 at noon through July 4 at 9 pm.
• No one under the age of 16 years may possess or discharge any fireworks unless directly supervised by a responsible adult.
• Discharge of fireworks is not allowed on City property including parks and parking lots.
• Discharge of fireworks on someone else’s property without the owner’s permission is not allowed.
• Always have a water bucket present, never relight “duds,” and never alter fireworks.

Discharge only legal fireworks (listed below):

• Sparkler
• Cylindrical Fountain
• Cone Fountain
• Illuminating Torch
• Wheel Ground Spinner
• Flitter Sparkler
• Mine/Shell Smoke Device
• Helicopter Aerial Spinner
• Roman Candle

Legal only on tribal land:

• Firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles and rockets

Illegal everywhere:

• M-80’s and larger, dynamite and any improvised, homemade or altered explosive devices such as tennis balls or cherry bombs, firecrackers, salutes

For more info, contact the Normandy Park Police Department:

801 SW 174th Street
Normandy Park, WA 98166
206-248-7600

As for unincorporated King County:

• Fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
• Fireworks sales are legal beginning at Noon on June 28 until 11 p.m. and then daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4. No sales can occur after July 4.
• To purchase fireworks you must be at least 16 years of age with picture identification.

KING claimed then that one woman who works for the company told them she “is making less than $1.60 per hour for her work.” Their new report says that:

The City of Burien thought it had shut down a suspected sweatshop that was uncovered by the KING 5 Investigators.

But today, there’s word the business is still stitching away.

Here’s the latest video:

The 4th of July is less than a week away, and we’d like to remind our Readers that the setting off of fireworks is prohibited in the city of Burien.

While public displays that you may see for free at Lake Burien or Three Tree Point are licensed and legal (both of which start around 10pm), setting off your own firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and other combustibles is strictly illegal.

No matter where  you buy your fireworks – at an Indian reservation or local fireworks stand – if you set them off in Burien you’re running the risk of getting a ticket.

According to the city’s municipal code, doing so may result in a Class 2 civil infraction with a fine of $125.00, plus “applicable statutory assessments.”

Speaking of code, here’s the city’s exact wording on BMC 5.30 (link to entire database here):

5.30.020 Sale of fireworks unlawful.
It is unlawful for any person to offer for retail sale or sell any fireworks within the city. [Ord. 490 § 1, 2008; Ord. 267 § 4, 1999]

5.30.030 Permit required for public display of fireworks.
It is unlawful for any person to hold, conduct or engage in any public display of fireworks within the city without first having obtained and being the holder of a valid permit under the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 267 § 5, 1999]

5.30.040 Discharge of fireworks prohibited.
Except as authorized by a state license and city permit granted by the local fire official pursuant to RCW 70.77.260(2) (public display) or RCW 70.77.311(2) (use by individual or group for religious or other specified purpose on approved date and at approved location), no person shall ignite, explode or discharge any fireworks within the city. [Ord. 490 § 2, 2008; Ord. 267 § 6, 1999]

5.30.045 Possession of fireworks unlawful.
Except as authorized by a state license and city permit granted by the local fire official pursuant to RCW 70.77.260(2) (public display) or RCW 70.77.311(2) (use by individual or group for religious or other specified purpose on approved date and at approved location), it shall be unlawful for any person to control or possess any fireworks within the city. [Ord. 491 § 1, 2008]

5.30.050 Permit fee.
The annual fee for a “public display” permit for the public display of fireworks shall be $100.00, and shall be payable to King County Fire Protection District No. 2 or the North Highline Fire District, as appropriate. [Ord. 267 § 7, 1999]

5.30.060 Issuance – Nontransferable – Voiding.
Each public display permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be valid only for the specific authorized public display event, shall be used only by the designated permittee, and shall be nontransferable. Any transfer or unauthorized use of a permit is a violation of this chapter and shall void the permit in addition to all other sanctions provided in this code. [Ord. 267 § 8, 1999]

5.30.070 Application for public display permit.
Applications for a permit to hold, conduct or operate a public display of fireworks shall be made to King County Fire Protection District No. 2 or North Highline Fire District, as appropriate, at least 14 days prior to the scheduled event. Applicants shall meet all qualifications and requirements of state law regarding public display of fireworks and all fire and safety requirements in the standards for public display set forth below. [Ord. 267 § 9, 1999]

5.30.080 Standards for public fireworks displays.
All public fireworks displays shall conform to the following minimum standards and conditions:
(1) All public fireworks displays must be planned, organized and discharged by a state-licensed pyrotechnician;
(2) A permit must be obtained from the fire chief or designee prior to any display of public fireworks. The permit shall include the name of the applicant and his address; the name of the pyrotechnician and his address; the exact location, date and time of the proposed display; the number, type and class of fireworks to be displayed; the manner in which the fireworks are being stored prior to the public fireworks display; and shall include the name and address of the insurance company providing the bond required;
(3) A drawing shall be submitted to the fire chief or designee showing a plan view of the fireworks discharge site and the surrounding area within a 500-foot radius. The drawing shall include all structures, fences, barricades, streets, fields, streams and any other significant factors that may be subjected to ignition or that may inhibit firefighting capabilities;
(4) The fire chief or designee may require that a fire department pumper and a minimum of two trained firefighters shall be on site 30 minutes prior to and after the discharge of any fireworks;
(5) All combustible debris and trash shall be removed from the area of discharge for a distance of 300 feet in all directions;
(6) All unfired or undischarged fireworks shall be disposed of in a safe manner;
(7) A minimum of two 2A-rated pressurized water fire extinguishers and one fire blanket shall be required to be at the fireworks discharge site;
(8) The permit may be immediately revoked at any time deemed necessary by the fire marshal or designee due to any noncompliance, or weather conditions such as extremely low humidity or wind factor. The display may also be canceled by accidental ignition of any form of combustible or flammable material in the vicinity due to falling debris from the display; and
(9) Areas of public access shall be determined by the fire chief or designee and maintained in an approved manner. [Ord. 267 § 10, 1999]

5.30.090 Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the sale and use of all fireworks except “toy caps,” and as is otherwise exempt pursuant to RCW 70.77.311 as now stated or as may be amended. [Ord. 267 § 11, 1999]

5.30.100 Chapter in connection with state law.
This chapter is intended to implement Chapter 70.77 RCW, and shall be construed in connection with that law and any and all rules or regulations issued pursuant thereto. [Ord. 267 § 12, 1999]

5.30.110 Enforcement.
The fire chief, or designee, is authorized to enforce all provisions of this chapter and, in addition to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, he may revoke any permit issued pursuant to this chapter upon any failure or refusal of the permittee to comply with the orders and directives of the fire chief or designee, and/or to comply with any provisions of this chapter or other laws or regulations. [Ord. 267 § 13, 1999]

5.30.120 Penalty for violations.
(1) “Civil infraction” has the meaning given that term by Chapter 7.80 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, and the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (“IRLJ”) and any local rule adopted thereto by the King County district court, as they may be now or hereafter amended.
(2) Except as provided below, any person violating or failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 90 days or imposition of a fine of up to $1,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(3) A violation of BMC 5.30.040 (Discharge of fireworks prohibited) shall be a Class 2 civil infraction and, upon a finding that a violation has been committed, the person committing such act shall be assessed an amount not to exceed $125.00, plus applicable statutory assessments. Such penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties specifically provided by law. For each act herein prohibited of a continuing nature, each day shall be considered a separate offense.
(4) A violation of BMC 5.30.045 (Possession of fireworks unlawful) shall be a Class 2 civil infraction and, upon a finding that a violation has been committed, the person committing such act shall be assessed an amount not to exceed $125.00, plus applicable statutory assessments. Such penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties specifically provided by law. For each act herein prohibited of a continuing nature, each day shall be considered a separate offense. [Ord. 491 § 2, 2008]

King County has compiled a table of area cities and their fireworks regulations:

In unincorporated King County (ie: the White Center area):

• Fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
• Fireworks sales are legal beginning at noon on June 28 until 11 p.m. and then daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4. No sales can occur after July 4.
• To purchase fireworks you must be at least 16 years of age with picture identification.
• Fireworks permit: Application for temporary stand / tent form available in fill-in Word (63KB) or PDF (29KB) format.

Here are some Fireworks safety tips from the county:

• Use only approved, legal, and common fireworks from reliable Washington State and King County Fire Marshal licensed retailers.
• Always have a responsible adult light all fireworks.
• Have a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy.
• Use fireworks under outdoor conditions only, away from buildings, houses with wood shingles, trees, and dry fields.
• Avoid aerial type fireworks.
• Light one item at a time, move away quickly, and keep a safe distance away.
• Dispose of used fireworks by first soaking them in water.
• Ensure the safety of pets (see tips for keeping pets safe) –>.
• Use eye protection.
• Remember your neighbors and clean up all debris.
• If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least a minimum of five minutes before approaching the device.
• Remember, if it has a stick or fins and it goes up or if it blows up, it is illegal in Washington State.
• Rather than buying fireworks, attend a public fireworks display when available and make that a family tradition.

Here’s video from last year’s LEGAL barge-launched fireworks display at Three Tree Point:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here are some videos of some apparently-ILLEGAL fireworks launched by residents at Lake Burien:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What do YOU think about fireworks being illegal in Burien? Please take our Poll or leave a Comment below…

Starting this Thursday (June 10), police agencies around the state will begin enforcing Washington’s newly-revised law restricting vehicle drivers from talking or texting while driving.

The revised law, with the catchy slogan “Text. Talk. Ticket.” (I bet the same person who came up with “Clickit or Ticket” wrote this one) makes texting or improper cell phone use primary offenses, meaning that drivers can be pulled over for those violations alone. It also prohibits the use of electronic devices by younger drivers with an Intermediate Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit, with or without a hands-free device.

Normandy Park Police Chief Rick Kieffer said “Distracted driving is a serous threat to everyone on the road. Normandy Park Police will follow the Washington State Patrols policy of strict enforcement.”

Tickets are $124 and could be more if your distracted driving causes a collision.

Here’s more info from the Washington State Patrol:

How will WSP enforce the changes?

“If you’re holding the phone to your ear, you’re likely to be stopped,” said Captain Chris Gundermann of the state patrol’s field operations bureau. “We will be flexible with virtually any type of headset or speakerphone device, but holding the phone itself to your ear will get our attention.”

Since 2008 the law has prohibited drivers from texting while driving, and required those talking on cell phones to use hands free devices. However, the earlier version of the law was “secondary” meaning that officers had to see a different violation in order to make the traffic stop.

Gundermann noted that those with hearing aids are exempt, as are those reporting an emergency to 9-1-1. Troopers will inquire about exemptions once the person has been pulled over.”

“No ticket is automatic. If the person has a hearing aid or is calling 9-1-1, we’ll get them quickly on their way,” he said

Texting can be harder for troopers to spot, because the unit is normally held lower than when talking on a cell phone. Gundermann says studies show that those reading or sending a text message take their eyes off the road for up to five seconds.

“We’ll be looking for people who clearly aren’t watching the road. We’ve had a couple years to practice spotting this behavior and can usually tell when someone is texting. Sooner or later the phone comes up high enough that we can see it and make the stop.”

At the Department of Licensing, Director Liz Luce is urging parents to help with enforcement of the complete ban on electronic devices for those with intermediate licenses.

“Responsibility starts at home, so I ask parents to have a conversation with their teen drivers, because the consequences of distracted driving can be deadly,” Luce said.

Statistics have long shown that younger drivers make up a disproportionate number of those injured or killed on the highway.

“A cell phone in the car is one of the most dangerous things a teen driver can have. Come June 10, teen drivers with intermediate licenses aren’t permitted to use their cell phones at all, with or without a hands-free device, unless they’re reporting an emergency.”

Multiple traffic violations on an intermediate driver license can lead to suspension and even an extension of the intermediate license restrictions until the driver turns 21.

Safety experts recommend people not talk on the phone at all while driving, pointing out that the conversation itself is a distraction.

“Ideally, we would like to see all drivers save their phone conversations for later and concentrate on the road. Study after study has demonstrated that talking on the phone while driving seriously impairs your awareness and ability to react,” said Lowell Porter, executive director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

The Commission also has announced its new slogan to help people stay safe: Text, Talk, Ticket.

If you just happen to be a local pirate looking for a last-minute gift idea, we’ve got a doozy – one of your neighbors is trying to sell a custom-milled, solid one-piece steel, “black powder cannon” that’s only been used twice for just $375!

Some of the features from the Craigslist Ad:

• Black Powder Cannon
• Custom milled solid 1 piece steel.
• Two year old Cannon
• Used Twice
• Fuse Hole
• Shoots Baseball sized objects

Our favorite part of course is this happy ending greeting:

Please email with any questions! Happy Holidays
Stacie

Wait, aren’t these things ILLEGAL?

Who cares…it’s Christmas! So act fast, and email your order in now:

sale-mrhhy-1520671908@craigslist.org

Oh, and whatever you do, don’t read this story about a makeshift cannon that killed a 4-year old boy in Thurston County in July, 2007.

Yes, “Happy Holidays” and have fun with your cannon!

On Friday (Nov. 13th) Toan Le, 51, and Hang Ho, 41, of the Crystal Nails salon in Burien plead guilty in US District Court to charges of attempting to illegally import an unapproved skin treatment device as well as two counts of attempting to bribe a federal official.

Le pleaded guilty to bribing a public official, and could face up to two years in prison. Ho pleaded guilty to importing an unapproved medical device into the country, which could result in one year in the slammer.

According to court documents, Ho attempted to import a laser-type device called a”skin light machine,” which emits radiation and has not been approved by the FDA for use in the US.

Le and Ho also plead guilty to offering bribes of $500, then $800 to a federal FDA official to overlook the unapproved machinery.

Crystal Nails is located at 15728 First Ave South in Burien.

According to the FDA, some consumers have suffered severe burns and infection, and others have actually died after being treated by the unapproved laser devices.

Crystal Nails is located at 15728 First Ave South in Burien, in the strip mall behind McDonald’s and Roundtable Pizza, and across the parking lot from Page2 Books.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Burien Nail Salon Owners Accused Of Importing Illegal, Radioactive Skin Device, Bribery

According to both The Seattle Times and The News Tribune, Toan Le, 51, and Hang Ho, 41, of the Crystal Nails salon in Burien, have been indicted on the illegal importing of a skin treatment device as well as two counts of attempting to bribe a federal official.

Reports are that Le and Ho offered bribes of $500, then $800 to a federal Food and Drug Administration official to overlook an unapproved, radiation-emitting laser skin treatment device they had imported.

According to the Times, Ho told the FDA inspector that if she helped them keep the device, “we will give you a present.”

Crystal Nails is located at 15728 First Ave South in Burien.

Cyrstal Nails is located at 15728 First Ave South in Burien, in the strip mall behind McDonald’s and Roundtable Pizza, and across the parking lot from Page2 Books.

As of Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 25th) it appeared to be open for business as usual.

Read the full Seattle Times report here.

The News Tribune story is here.

Miguel Eden Villarreal is an illegal alien who will likely be deported back to Mexico following his prison term.

On July 31, 2007, Drug Enforcement Administration agents obtained a search warrant and searched the Burien apartment where Villarreal lived with his wife and two young children. Agents and King County sheriff’s officers uncovered methamphetamine, cocaine, packaging materials and $40,000 in cash.

Villarreal was arrested a few blocks away from the apartment. He told investigators that he had been in the United States illegally for about five months and had been dealing drugs for four months.

At Villarreal’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik said Villarreal was “involved in moving massive amounts of one of the most dangerous drugs on the street.”

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I