Seattle Fire Department (SFD) crews were kept busy throughout the evening of July 4, responding to at least five separate brush and rubbish fires across the West Seattle area. According to local reporting by the West Seattle Blog, authorities have linked the fires to the reckless discharge of fireworks from moving vehicles.
The incidents began early in the evening, with multiple reports of burning shrubbery and trash bins. SFD units were dispatched to locations including 34th and Barton, 35th and Cambridge, and the intersection of 9th SW and SW Roxbury. Witnesses reported seeing individuals throwing fireworks from car windows and sunroofs before fleeing the scene. A similar incident occurred near 57th and Alki, where a trash fire was reported earlier in the night.
Beyond the fire-related emergencies, the Seattle Police Department implemented traffic diversions to manage the heavy congestion typical of the Fourth of July. Officials closed the Harbor offramp from the West Seattle Bridge and diverted traffic away from northbound California Avenue to prevent gridlock near popular viewing spots like Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Authorities continue to monitor the area as cleanup and fire safety operations proceed.