Bellevue mayor announces fireworks sales start, urges safety and use of nonemergency complaints line

Mayor Rusty Hike said during the Spotlight on Bellevue broadcast that retail fireworks sales in Bellevue begin 10 days before Independence Day and encouraged residents to buy locally to support nonprofit fundraisers.

"We have about 20 nonprofit organizations that are selling fireworks," Hike said, adding that three wholesalers—Binos, Twisted Thunder and Wild Willies—supply those sellers. He described the fundraising as "really important" to volunteers and urged listeners to "come out and buy a lot of fireworks this year."

Hike framed the reminder as part of holiday preparations, noting the national 250th celebration and saying Bellevue is ‘‘about 171 years old’’ as the city joins in the July 4 observances. He focused heavily on safety guidance, advising residents to be considerate of neighbors, especially veterans, young children and pets, and to "never leave fireworks unattended. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of an emergency. Always closely supervise children around fireworks." Hike also asked people to follow the city's fireworks ordinances.

On calls for enforcement, Hike warned residents not to call 911 for noise complaints "because that ties up the 911 lines," and said a special nonemergency number would be shown on the broadcast for reporting such complaints. "Call that number if there's any noise complaints," he said, and asked residents to use the designated line so emergency services remain available.

The mayor closed by thanking viewers for observing the ordinances and wishing the community a safe Independence Day.

The broadcast did not include additional details about the city's fireworks ordinance text or the nonemergency phone number; those items were described verbally as being displayed on-screen during the program and are "not specified" in the transcript. No formal motions or votes were discussed during the segment.