The "Fire Gathering" at Golden Gardens over the weekend, hosted by a promotion company (with "very chill vibes") called Under Ground Visions, was intended to be much larger, but the larger gathering was cancelled last minute because of possible rain. Despite the weather and the cancellation, over a hundred people gathered at the north end of Golden Gardens, on the west edge of Ballard, including several folks who danced to a DJ playing in the trees.
The Seattle Police Department arrived early with a mobile command unit, a half dozen cars and SUVs, and an SPD bus. According to an event organizer, SPD crashed the party because "they were concerned" about safety, fuel storage, crowd size, and an incorrect date on the permit. The gathering's organizers were warned that if there were any complaints of excessive noise or unsafe behavior, the event would be shut down. Organizers provided security in the buffer zone and two attendants with fire blankets and fire extinguishers were in the roped off performance area.
Only a few singed hairs were observed. There were no arrests. Organizers are planning for a larger event in mid May.
