Better think twice about lighting off fireworks in Bellevue this year. The city is empowering all citizens to report illegal displays with a new app feature, and police and firefighters will be out doing special emphasis patrols this year to catch scofflaws.
First, the basics: it is totally illegal to use fireworks in Bellevue. If you get caught, it's a $1,000 fine, one of the steepest penalties in King County. By not using fireworks, you're also avoiding possible injury, preventing wildfires — and helping all the dogs in your neighborhood avoid panic attacks.
If you happen to live near someone who doesn't know or doesn't care about Bellevue's fireworks ban, here's how you can report them: download the MyBellevue app and look for the category named "fireworks reporting." You'll be able to enter a location of the illegal display, and police or fire can respond. You can also report illegal fireworks via the city website, www.bellevuewa.gov.