Today’s so-called red flag warning for fire danger covers most of Western Washington. / Image from the National Weather Service
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – People are nervous.
Ongoing high temperatures and very dry conditions, with forecasts of more of the same have prompted outdoor burning restrictions, a ban on even campfires in state parks and for private timberland owners to close their gates to public recreation in recent days.
Unstable air over much of Western Washington with the risk of scattered lightning added to the fire danger threat today.
And, sales of consumer fireworks from state-licensed stands began at noon today. They are already being sold on reservations.
Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement strongly urging people not to use fireworks this year.
“The fire danger now is unlike any we’ve seen in a long time, if ever,” Inslee said in a press release. “We need to be prepared for the possibility of an unprecedented fire season.”
Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza is asking the public to be careful, be responsible and to take their neighbors and their neighbor’s property into consideration when lighting off fireworks.
The Lewis County Public Fire Educators Group is strongly urging area residents and their families to consider enjoying a professional display, such as the one at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds the evening of the Fourth of July.
Forecasters predict temperatures in the 80s and 90s in the coming days, and although there is a slight chance of showers tomorrow, unseasonably warm weather is anticipated well into the week, according to the National Weather Service.
The sheriff wants this year’s celebrating to be as fun and festive as any, but points out there are criminal penalties for possessing and using illegal fireworks.
“If you choose to use or have illegal fireworks in your possession you may be cited and charged with a gross misdemeanor, punishable up to a year in jail and a fine up to $5,000,” Snaza stated.
State officials had a more ominous warning to consider:
A person found responsible for starting a wildland fire with fireworks can be required to pay restitution for the fire suppression costs and damages caused by the fire. This could be in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, the state fire marshal’s office noted in a press release late last week.
Fireworks are not allowed in Lewis County parks. Fireworks are illegal on all state properties protected by the Department of Natural Resources. They are prohibited in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Last year, there were 155 suspected fireworks-related fires around the state. This year, the wildfire season has begun earlier and with greater intensity.
However, for those who choose to celebrate our nation’s independence in the customary way, local public safety officials offer numerous tips to help prevent tragic accidents, especially regarding youngsters.
“First, set family boundaries―only adults should light fireworks. Supervision is paramount in keeping children safe,” Riverside Fire Authority Assistant Chief Rick Mack and Newaukum Valley Fire and Rescue’s Lt. Laura Hanson stated in their list of tips.
From local and state public safety officials:
• Purchase only legal fireworks, only in the quantity you will use.
• M80’s, M100’s, or Cherry Bombs are not fireworks – they are illegal explosive devices and can cause severe injuries. Sparkler bombs are considered improvised explosive devices, and are illegal.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs and use fireworks at the same time.
• Never use fireworks inside your home.
• Always set them off outdoors on a driveway or sidewalk.
• Clear a level area, away from combustible materials.
• Have a fire extinguisher or hose handy.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for discarding all used fireworks.
• Have a responsible adult present to supervise their use.
• Do not allow young children to discharge fireworks.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• The shooter should wear eye protection.
• Light only one device at a time and move away quickly.
• Never attempt to re-ignite a “dud” firework device.
• Follow the directions on the package label carefully.
• Never point or throw a firework in the direction of anyone.
• Never hold or throw a firework – light it and back away to a safe distance.
• If a firework comes into contact with a vegetated area, use a hose or a bucket of water to heavily soak the area, making sure that there are not any hot spots that could rekindle later.
• Clean up all debris when finished.
• Completely soak used fireworks overnight, then place soaked fireworks in a garbage bag and place in an outdoor trash can or take them to your local waste facility.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Blee bloo: Always count on you to put a smile on our faces. Sleeping: That seems like a great idea.
Instead of milk jugs get a few of the devices used to spray bug spray at the hardware store. Fill those with water and you even have a small nozzle to shoot the water.
The article discusses the costs of starting a wildland fire passed on to the person who started it. 100s of millions of bucks? No one can ever afford that.
One thing to think about: if you fireworks start a fire and a residence is involved you now run the risk of killing someone. That now becomes murder as arson is a felony to begin with.
This is the time for people to think, uh oh that will not happen. People will be thinking only of themselves and the instant joy of using fireworks.
Sleeping giant: I will be home this weekend defending my property against idiots with fireworks.
Do not put sprinklers up your nose. I learned that one the hard way.
Sharyon lets get a volunteer group going with the power of this web site. We can put all political issues aside for the day and pull together as a team. I have a gas powered water pump that can be used. I dont want to hear its to dangerous. What would be dangerous is to do nothing. See you in the city on the Fourth of July everyone. Volunteers needed.
There needs to be a citizens water patrol. Put some barrels in the back of your trucks with water and pumps. Also fill milk jugs up to put out spot fires. As a community lets do this. Im ready to protect the Home Land are you?