Date:
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Contact:
Susan Harris-Huether, Customer Information Manager, 206.515.3460; Sergeant Craig Johnson, WA State Patrol, 206.389.2728
SEATTLE - It will soon be time for the return of the four "Fs": fun, friends, fireworks and ferries as the Puget Sound Region gets ready for another great July 4th celebration, which for many, will be a four or five day event. Washington State Ferries is expecting to be busy this July 4th as many locals and tourists attend the various fireworks displays from Lopez Island to Point Defiance.
Washington State Ferries customers should remember that security measures require the ferry crew to clear the vessels at each port. WSF urges those hoping to watch fireworks from the deck of a ferry to consider other viewing options such as on shore, or near the ferry terminals.
An important part of the overall security plan for the ferry system is the use of Washington State Patrol explosive detection canine teams to screen vehicles. WSP wants to remind ferry customers considering the transport of fireworks onboard a ferry that these dogs are trained to sniff out explosives, which includes fireworks, both legal and non-legal. This means that ferry customers in vehicles carrying fireworks should anticipate and allow for screening time and store fireworks where they are easily accessible for WSP personnel to examine.
"Ferry customers are expected to obey laws regarding legal fireworks in Washington State," says WSP Sergeant Craig Johnson. "Legal fireworks include sparklers, ground spinners and roman candles. Illegal or other explosive devices are not allowed on ferries and will be confiscated and disposed of by Washington State Patrol."
You may view the Washington State Patrol Fire Marshal's Office firework's safety campaign kit at www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/default.htm.
The State Fire Marshal's office maintains an up-to-date list of legal and illegal fireworks at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/mediakit/lglfwrks.pdf. Fireworks can be legally sold in Washington from June 28-July 5.
Route Specific Information for July 4th
Every year the fireworks display on Lopez Island attracts a large crowd. People planning to attend the fireworks display should plan for some delays as traffic is heavy. On Wednesday, July 4, the ferries will be on a regular schedule. On Thursday, July 5, the MV Hyak will make an extra 2:50 p.m. sailing from Friday Harbor and a 3:35 p.m. from Lopez to Anacortes to pick up extra traffic that made it a long holiday celebration.
The Port Townsend/Keystone route will be on a regular sailing schedule throughout the weekend, including Wednesday, July 4.
There will be an extra roundtrip sailing on the Mukilteo/Clinton route at 8:55 p.m. from Clinton and 9:25 p.m. from Mukilteo on Tuesday, July 3. The Mukilteo/Clinton route will be on a holiday schedule on Wednesday, July 4.
The Edmonds/Kingston route will also run on a holiday schedule Wednesday, July 4. Offloading from the 12:05 p.m. sailing to Kingston on July 4 will be delayed for Kingston's annual Fourth of July Parade, which passes near the terminal. Customers trying to catch the 12:50 p.m. from Kingston to Edmonds may also be delayed arriving at the terminal because of the parade.
The Seattle/Bainbridge Island route will be sailing on a holiday schedule on Wednesday, July 4.
The Seattle/Bremerton route will also be on a holiday schedule on Wednesday, July 4, with an additional sailing at 10:10 p.m. from Bremerton and an 11:30 p.m. sailing from Seattle to help customers return home after the firework shows in Seattle.
The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will also sail on an augmented holiday schedule on Wednesday, July 4 with an extra sailing at 11:45 p.m. off Vashon Island added to the regular schedule. There will be no passenger-only ferry service between Seattle and Vashon on July 4.
Point Defiance/Tahlequah will operate a holiday schedule on July 4th, which includes an extra run during their regular midday tie-up. This route will have an extra 1:45 p.m. from Point Defiance and a 2:15 p.m. from Tahlequah on Vashon Island.
For more information, contact Washington State Ferries at 511 or 1-888-808-7977.
For information concerning WSP canine screening or fireworks/explosives disposal contact: Sergeant Craig Johnson, WSP, Homeland Security Division at (425) 356-1917.
For specific information about fireworks and fireworks safety contact: Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Stephen L. Myers, WSP Office of the State Fire Marshal at (360) 570-3138.
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