The Brief
- The Bellevue School District warns against bringing fireworks onto school property due to past vandalism incidents.
- Millions in damages occurred at Phantom Lake Elementary and Tillicum Middle School from fireworks-related fires.
- Bellevue police and fire departments are increasing fire safety measures at schools identified as hotspots for illegal fireworks.
BELLEVUE, Wash. – The Bellevue School District is reminding families not to bring fireworks onto school property ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
The district says in the past two years, vandalism has led to millions of dollars in property damage at Phantom Lake Elementary School and Tillicum Middle School.
After a playground at Phantom Lake Elementary School burned down in 2023 due to fireworks-related activity, it was rebuilt, only to burn down again around the 4th of July in 2024.
The cause of the second incident is still under investigation, but according to the Bellevue School District, the timing has “heightened concern about illegal fireworks and fire hazards on school grounds.”…