Sprinklers not Sparklers

WAITSBURG — Many state, county, and city officials ask the public to celebrate the Fourth of July without home fireworks this year. The Pacific Northwest is experiencing extreme heat conditions causing serious concerns over health and fire safety going into the Fourth of July celebrations.

Even though the risk of fire increases significantly during extreme heat conditions, under Washington state law, local jurisdictions cannot impose temporary bans on fireworks. The times to purchase and use fireworks in the state are regulated under RCW 70.77.395 and are limited to twice a year to celebrate Independence Day and New Year’s Day. While local jurisdictions can impose stricter regulations under RCW 70.77.250(4), changes must be adopted no later than June 28 or December 27 in the year prior.

This means most cities and counties can only encourage residents not to use home fireworks this year.

In a statement to The Times, the City of Waitsburg asks, “With the expectation of above-normal temperatures over the 4th of July Holiday, the city is encouraging residents to not light off fireworks this year in an effort to prevent any accidental brush or structure fires”.

Colter Mohney, Interim Fire Chief for CCWW District 2, wants to remind everyone that vegetation is exceptionally dry this holiday due to the drought and extreme weather conditions. So, if you still plan on using fireworks, please take extra precautions to keep your friends, family, and neighborhood safe.

“Please remember that it is hot and dry and to use extra caution as the fire potential is high. Avoid using fireworks in areas that have dry vegetation,” said Mohney in an email to The Times. “Try to have a hose available and a bucket of water for spent fireworks.”

Should you decide to use home fireworks, please take extra care and follow all the manufacturers’ directions and guidelines.

Tips for handling fireworks safely:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or injury.

Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

After a firework device completes burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Local emergency health and fire departments wish you a safe and happy holiday. Let us protect them and our neighborhoods by skipping home fireworks this year. Consider celebrating with water, not heat; sprinklers, not sparklers. If fireworks will be a part of your celebration, be careful and have a safe and happy Independence Day.