SUQUAMISH — With Independence Day nearing, Suquamish firework stands are open and locals are buying up necessary stock to celebrate.

From bottle rockets to Roman candles and black cats, the “little guys” are the root of numerous complaints, overloading 911 calls and Cencom dispatching, said Mike Lasnier, Suquamish Chief of Police, to members of the Suquamish Citizens Advisory Council June 5.

“There’s no possible way we can respond to every fireworks call,” he said. “We have to triage to some degree.”

This year, one of the popular firework spots for Suquamish locals, the slab, is off limits due to construction of the new Old Man House and community center.

“We are hoping downtown Suquamish will be far less of a combat zone because the slab will not be open,” he said.

Lasnier said 10 p.m. is the cutoff time for lighting fireworks on days leading up to July Fourth. That time limit extends until midnight on the Fourth.

Late night fireworks, although they cause of numerous noise complaints, are the least of Suquamish police worries.

“There are a lot of parties with a lot of people clubbing each other like baby seals on the beach,” Lasnier said.

Like always, Suquamish Police officers will use enforcement on those using federally illegal firework operations, such as cherry or sparkler bombs.

The SCAC also addressed the need to add street lighting to deter crime in Suquamish.

“We haven’t noticed any reoccurring trend,” Lasnier said about where he would recommend installing lights. “I want to talk to my graveyard officers because they are out there all night.”

The SCAC made a motion with all in favor to support the Tribal Peace Officers’ Bill which passed in March.

Lasnier was the main author of the bill, which took 10 years to pass.

The law enables Tribal Police officers to arrest non-tribal members within tribal jurisdiction.

The SCAC meets the first Thursday of the month at Suquamish Elementary, except July. The meeting is scheduled July 10 at the Suquamish Tribal Chamber.

There are three positions currently open on the council. For more information contact Jan Koske at (360) 337-4650.