Date:  Friday, June 26, 2009

Contact: Susan Harris-Huether, Customer Information Manager, 206-515-3460
Sergeant Craig Johnson, Washington State Patrol, 206-314-0769 (pager)

SEATTLE - The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) is expecting to be busy this July Fourth as many locals and tourists attend the various fireworks displays in the Puget Sound Region, from Lopez Island to Point Defiance. Travelers should be aware that sailing schedules will vary by route (see the end of this news release for details).

WSF customers should remember that security measures require the ferry crew to clear the vessels at each port. WSF urges those hoping to watch fireworks from the deck of a ferry to consider other viewing options such as on shore, or near the ferry terminals.

An important part of the overall security plan for the ferry system is the use of Washington State Patrol (WSP) explosive detection canine teams to screen vehicles. WSP wants to remind ferry customers considering the transport of fireworks on board a ferry that these dogs are trained to sniff out explosives, which includes fireworks, both legal and illegal. This means that ferry customers in vehicles carrying fireworks should anticipate and allow for screening time and store 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 WSP Sergeant Craig Johnson. “Legal fireworks include sparklers, ground spinners and roman candles. Illegal or other explosive devices are not allowed on ferries and will be confiscated and disposed of by Washington State Patrol.”

You may view the Washington State Patrol Fire Marshal’s Office fireworks education campaign at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm and their 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 information concerning WSP canine screening or fireworks/explosives disposal contact: Sergeant Craig Johnson, WSP, at 206-314-0769.

For specific information about fireworks and fireworks safety contact: Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Chuck Duffy, WSP Office of the State Fire Marshal at 360-596-3913.

Route Specific Information for July 4th

Anacortes/San Juan Islands

Every year the fireworks display on Lopez Island attracts a large crowd. Ferry customers planning to attend the fireworks display should plan for delays as traffic is heavy. To help accommodate extra traffic, there will be an additional sailing departing from Anacortes at 1:30 p.m. to Lopez Island and Friday Harbor on Thursday, July 2 and on Monday, July 6. WSF encourages San Juan Islands customers to walk on instead of taking their vehicles, and will provide free parking at the Anacortes terminal July 3-6. The route will operate on a regular Saturday schedule on July 4.

Port Townsend/Keystone

The Port Townsend/Keystone route will operate on its regular summer sailing schedule throughout the weekend. Reservations are available online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or by calling 5-1-1.

Mukilteo/Clinton

The Mukilteo/Clinton route will operate on a holiday schedule on Friday, July 3, and on a regular Saturday schedule July 4.

Edmonds/Kingston

The Edmonds/Kingston route will operate on a holiday schedule Friday, July 3 and on a regular Saturday schedule July 4. Offloading from the 12:05 p.m. sailing to Kingston on July 4 will be delayed for Kingston’s annual Fourth of July Parade, which passes near the terminal. Customers trying to catch the 12:50 p.m. departure from Kingston to Edmonds may also be delayed because of the parade.

Seattle/Bainbridge Island

The Seattle/Bainbridge Island route will operate on a Saturday schedule on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

Seattle/Bremerton

The Seattle/Bremerton route will be on its regular sailing schedule throughout the weekend.

Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth

The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will operate on a holiday (Saturday/Sunday) schedule on Friday, July 3 and on a regular Saturday schedule July 4.

Seattle/Vashon passenger-only

There will be no passenger-only ferry service between Seattle and Vashon on Friday, July 3.

Point Defiance/Tahlequah

Point Defiance/Tahlequah will operate on a holiday schedule on Friday, July 3, which includes an extra run during the regular midday tie-up. This route will have an extra 12:50 p.m. from Point Defiance and a 1:15 p.m. from Tahlequah on Vashon Island. The route will operate on its regular Saturday schedule on July 4.

For more information, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or call 5-1-1 or 888-808-7977.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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