The Maple Valley Police Department will be conducting fireworks enforcement emphasis patrols starting June 30.

These patrols will continue through the July 4 and are designed to reduce illegal fireworks usage and the use of fireworks outside the legal time frame.

The city of Maple Valley’s annual Independence Day Family Picnic and Fireworks Display will be held at Lake Wilderness Park, 22500 SE 248th St and begins at 4 p.m. on July 4.

Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.

Every year, police receive dozens of complaints about the use of illegal fireworks in the city and about the use of fireworks on days other than July 4.

Officers will be focusing on enforcing the date and time restrictions of fireworks usage and the use of fireworks considered illegal in Washington State.

Fireworks are also banned from publicly owned properties such as schools and parks unless a special permit is granted by the city manager.

Fireworks purchased on Indian reservations are typically illegal to possess and/or use off of the reservation.

Homemade or improvised commercial fireworks are also illegal in the state of Washington. Most fireworks violations are misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors, punishable by up to a year in jail and fines.

Police officers will be responding to complaints of fireworks violations and looking for unreported violations. Police are asking citizens to call 9-1-1 to report illegal fireworks usage.

“The Maple Valley Police Department is of course committed to the safety and well being of citizens and will be performing emphasis patrols during this holiday season,” Maple Valley Police Chief Michelle Bennett said. “These special patrols are designed to ensure that all residents and visitors in the city are recreating in a safe and responsible manner and complying with all city regulations and ordinances.”