It will probably be fireworks as people celebrate Independence Day.

We here at r/TacomaWA understand fireworks bother some folks, and delight others. We expect the folks bothered by them have likely taken what steps they can to mitigate the noise and prepare to get through it. The upside is, it will be over soon.

If you wish to discuss this topic, take a look at the rules and keep it civil.

We wish you a happy holiday, however you celebrate.

Edit: I've heard from Side Piece. They have had their say and I am removing the post and banning the author. I am proud of our community for routing out the disinformation and challenging the culprit.

Original post:

I just want to apologize to the community for not catching what appears to be simple slander and disinformation.

That post should have been removed very fast.

Since it was left up, and a lot of our community members chimed in, as well as the owners and some employees of Side Piece Kitchen, I am inclined to leave it up for now. I will remove the post in a few hours.

If the owners want it taken down now, it will be.

For now, I think the dismantling of the disinformation by a number of our community members is worth looking at, and being proud of.

While we sympathize completely with anyone who has had negative experiences with 'other city subs' if we allow posts regarding their behaviors towards their users, or towards us, they will put in multiple reports to attempt to get this sub shut down.

The mods of 'other city subs' have banned anyone mentioning or recommending this sub. We however do not ban folks for mentioning any other city subs. We think Tacoma people should have multiple resources for information. While we do not understand the animosity towards this community, we do not bother to return it, nor do we peruse that sub looking for reasons to retaliate. We prefer to focus on this community, and don't need to 'moderate' other communities we are not members of.

So, while we totally understand many users frustrations, and in most cases agree, we do not want to play into reddit drama. There has been attempts to both discredit our mods, me personally, and to get the sub actioned by reddit admin.

Reddit mod drama is a thing. It's even a meme. Some people get really into some kind of 'power' thing and run with it. We do not find a city sub something that makes us 'powerful'. We feel part of the community, not its lords. We would rather know where the best sandwich in Tacoma is, than control other subs, or action against our users.

We here at r/TacomaWA feel a city subreddit is a Very Silly Place to create drama, (over what? That we are here and people join us?). So we do not respond to the 'rumor mill'. We do not think moderating a message board gives us any superiority over anyone, or the right to nose into other subs, or puts us above our community members in any way. We are Tacomans first, and moderators somewhere after 11.

This sub was just an old empty place with no one running it until u/SoThenIThought_ felt there was a need for a second city sub, took over the sub, and the rest is history. We've grown to over 5k users relatively quickly, and today have a thriving sub where lost pets have been reunited with owners, questions regarding the city are welcomed, and the rules are clear and enforced clearly. We believe clear rules and clear reasons for taking action makes for a healthy, and relatively happy community.

We do not ban folks for having different opinions or saying things we don't like or for having differing politics, or who criticize out moderation style. We only ban folks who break rules, or violate reddits ToS.

So, although I know our community wants to discuss what some may feel is arbitrary and bad behavior, and frankly we think they should be able to, but it brings unwanted attention from 'certain someones' who's had us under scrutiny for years. Frankly we find it tiresome and silly.

You guys make this community what it is. Us mods are simply here to keep the space safe and clear from trolls and rulebreakers.

We are not here to punish anyone for:

Liking another sub
Not liking LDP
Forgetting to light candles at the alter of LDP (kidding!)
Having differing beliefs or ideas that violate no rules
Asking about local Tacoma things
Criticizing our rules or moderations style

We appreciate our Community!

LDP

April 27, 2026 2:00 PM

Pierce County burn ban begins June 1, 2026

Unincorporated Pierce County residents should prepare now for the annual burn ban, which begins at 8 a.m. on June 1, 2026, and remains in effect until further notice.

Warmer temperatures and ongoing drought conditions across the state are increasing wildfire risk as summer approaches. Dry vegetation and low moisture levels make fires easier to ignite, harder to control, and more likely to spread quickly into nearby homes, neighborhoods, and wildland areas.

“We are heading into a hotter, drier summer, and that significantly raises the risk of wildfire across our communities,” said Pierce County Fire Marshal Ken Rice. “When vegetation is dry, it only takes a spark to start a fire that can grow rapidly and threaten homes and lives.”

“Even small, seemingly manageable fires can escape in seconds under these conditions,” Rice added. “The burn ban is a critical step we take every year to reduce that risk, prevent avoidable emergencies, and help protect both residents and first responders.”

The Stage 1 burn ban prohibits land clearing fires and burning yard debris in unincorporated Pierce County. Residents should instead use alternatives such as composting.

Barbecues (gas, wood, and charcoal) and small recreational fires in approved fire pits on private property or in designated campgrounds are still allowed when safety guidelines are followed.

Pierce County implements the annual burn ban in coordination with the Pierce County Fire Chiefs’ Association based on seasonal fire conditions. Late spring and summer typically bring drier fuels, lower humidity, and increased fire danger.

A fixed June 1 start date helps residents plan ahead and removes uncertainty about when restrictions take effect. In 2025, the burn ban was in place from June 1 to Oct. 1. The duration of this year’s ban will depend on fire risk conditions in the coming months.

Violations of the burn ban may result in citations and fines. If fire crews respond to an illegal fire, the responsible party may be billed for the full cost of emergency response, which can be significant given the resources required to protect life and property.

This burn ban does not apply to legal fireworks used during approved discharge periods in unincorporated Pierce County. Learn more at PierceCountyWa.gov/Fireworks.

Residents with approved Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) burn permits or properties under DNR jurisdiction should call 1-800-323-BURN before burning.

Here's some information regarding the TNT strike.

I'm trying to add a banner to the sub. The issue I have is it won't show the entire image no matter how I crop, or change the ratio.

Many of you may not know I didn't choose to be a mod. I was added one day and chose to stay, but I do not know a lot of mechanics, like how to add a banner that looks like an actual banner. I have to learn as I go, and I can't seem to learn how to add a functional banner.

I am trying to add a cute user submitted photo of a seagull in the Port of Tacoma as a temporary fill . No matter what I do it only shows a strip of the photo. Mostly the seagulls underbelly. Which also suits Tacoma but I'd like to make a cool looking banner.

Any tips?

Also, accepting submissions for a permanent banner for the sub.

Or. alternatively, we can just keep the seagull underbelly. 😂

OP of the seagull pic! Please give us permission to use this. It is temporary at the moment but we want to make sure it is ok with you!

What would you like to see here for user flairs, and for post flairs?

Disclaimer-We do not require user flairs and do not plan to.

Edit: You can make your own flair now. We'll see how that goes. 😎