As a reminder to the community for the upcoming Independence Day holiday, the City of Mountlake Terrace would like residents to know that personal use fireworks are prohibited in the City as they are in many other surrounding cities.

Did you know that two out of five fires reported on July 4 are started by fireworks, more than for any other cause? Each July 4, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

The City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department and Snohomish County Fire District 1 encourage residents and visitors to celebrate safely and legally. Here’s what you can do to help make this a safe July 4:

• Observe the City’s fireworks ban.The sale, possession and discharge of all fireworks are prohibited in Mountlake Terrace. Violations will result in confiscation of fireworks and fines.

• Report fireworks violations.It is recommended that citizens call 911 when there is an emergency such as a fire or injury. Call 911 if violations of the fireworks ban are observed.

• Keep pets safe and inside.Fireworks can upset pets. So many pets are frightened and try to escape the sights and sounds that animal shelters report a dramatic increase in lost pets around July 4.

• Attend a public fireworks display. There are public displays planned for July 4 in Edmonds, Everett, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Seattle.

For more information about the fireworks law, please contact the Police Department at 425-670-8260.

The City has a permit process for a public display of fireworks that includes hiring a professional pyrotechnician. For more information about having a public fireworks display, contact a Permit Specialist at 425-744-6278 or find the fireworks brochure online under Most Requested Services at www.cityofmlt.com.