The fireworks show over Lake Union was visible from West Seattle and this view from the Admiral Way viewpoint made the Space Needle stand out in high relief. Others used the 4th of July as a way to let off steam as they set off their own fireworks (legal or not) in neighborhood displays.
The mild temperatures (not always a reliable thing) on the 4th of July meant West Seattle and White Center residents were out in numbers to watch the bigger shows and of course, despite the ban in the City of Seattle, light them off by the thousands in neighborhood displays.
One home on 37th SW had a gutter fire when apparently an errant firework came down still hot, but no damage was found. There was a gang activity call out on Alki near 57th SW but it was quickly dealt with.
People came in throngs to Alki Beach and crowded along the Admiral Way viewpoint to fire off fountains and see the big show over Lake Union. People watching there could see the thick plumes of smoke from the marina fire at the north end of Lake Union that claimed 14 boats.
In and around White Center fireworks stands stayed open late selling even as the gunpowder smoke hung in the air all around them. Spent shells of fountains and other "safe and sane" consumer grade fireworks displays littered roadways and open areas of parking lots as impromptu shows were set up and set off.
