FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 1, 2025 

Bellevue School District Partners with Bellevue Police and Fire Departments to Promote Fire Safety Ahead of July 4th 

BELLEVUE, Wash. –The Bellevue School District (BSD) is taking proactive steps in partnership with Bellevue Fire (BFD) and Police Departments (BPD) to promote safety and fire prevention, especially over Independence Day, July 4, 2025. All three entities encourage families to celebrate responsibly and not bring fireworks onto school property at any time. 

Over the past two years property damage at Phantom Lake and Tillicum Middle Schools, have resulted in millions of dollars of damage and missed playground time for students who at the height of social-emotional and mental health needs, were denied outside play because of vandalism. Additionally, the schools below have also experienced property damage. We are asking the public to be responsible for celebrations, avoid unauthorized locations, and follow instructions on posted signage, which will be visible on BSD properties. 

“We’re proud to partner with the Bellevue School District to promote fireworks safety and protect our community spaces,” says Fire Marshal Travis Ripley. “School property is not a safe or legal place for fireworks, and together we’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly, without putting our kids, schools or neighborhoods at risk”.  

To raise awareness and help prevent similar incidents, the BFD will install multilingual yard signs at 12 school sites that have been identified as past hotspots for illegal fireworks. These signs will be placed in the days leading up to the holiday and remain for several weeks before being removed by the Fire Marshal’s Office. 

The Bellevue Police Department asks all community members who see any suspicious activity to call 911 immediately.

On July 7, 2024, a fire significantly damaged the playground structure at Phantom Lake Elementary. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but its timing near the July 4th holiday has heightened concern about illegal fireworks and fire hazards on school grounds. 

School sites with heightened watch because of previous incidents include: 

“We’re grateful to the Bellevue Fire and Police for their continued partnership and for supporting our efforts to keep our students, families, and neighborhoods safe,” said Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Superintendent of BSD. “This is a reminder that community safety is a shared responsibility.” 

The Bellevue School District, with over 19,000 students and 28 schools, is a diverse and dynamic district in East King County, Washington. Its mission is "To serve each and every student academically, socially, and emotionally through a rigorous and relevant education that is innovative and individualized. As a learning community that values one another's humanity, we provide courageous support for an equitable and exceptional education for all students."  

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