Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
June 27, 2011
Contact:
Sergeant Trent Cain
Phone:
(206) 389-8528 - office | (206) 314-0769 - pager
E-mail:
trent.cain@wsp.wa.gov
WSP K-9's Sniff Out Explosives on State Ferries - Legal and Illegal
An important part of the overall security for the state ferry system is the use of Washington State Patrol (WSP) explosive detection canine teams. These dogs are trained to sniff out explosives, which includes legal and illegal fireworks. Ferry customers in vehicles carrying fireworks should anticipate the dogs detecting the fireworks and store the 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 Homeland Security Division Commander Captain Mark Thomas. “Legal fireworks include sparklers, ground spinners and roman candles. Illegal fireworks or other explosive devices are not allowed on ferries and will be confiscated and disposed of by the Washington State Patrol.” Those possessing illegal fireworks will be subject to criminal prosecution.
You can view the Washington State Patrol Fire Marshal’s fireworks education campaign kit at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm and the enforcement campaign kit at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/educamp.htm.
The State Fire Marshal’s office maintains an up-to-date list of legal and illegal fireworks at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/docs/fwlicensing/lglfwrks.pdf. Fireworks can be legally sold in Washington from June 28-July 5.
For specific information about fireworks and fireworks safety, contact Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Dan Johnson, WSP Office of the State Fire Marshal, at 360-596-3913.