Having a (safe) blast over Fourth of July

Authorities ask people to be responsible this Independence Day

COLUMBIA BASIN — Multi-colored sparks will fly atop area skies in coming weeks, and local authorities are asking that folks use a little common sense this Independence Day.

The "oohs" and "aahs" can only be elicited at certain times however, depending on where in Grant County you live. Rules for fireworks are different for residents of Moses Lake and other areas of Grant County, and certain county areas have banned the devices completely. The city of Moses Lake only allows fireworks to be fired off from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Independence Day, and Moses Lake Police Chief Dean Mitchell said a person may face fines if fireworks are lit in Moses Lake outside that time range.

On the holiday, Mitchell said the MLPD is discouraging anyone from bringing their own fireworks to the city's celebration at the Centennial Amphitheater, a location he said has seen injuries in the past.

"We just ask people to use common sense, "Mitchell said, "sometimes with fireworks people do silly things."

Fireworks can be discharged within the county starting at noon June 28, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. up through July 5. Grant County will allow the bright displays up until midnight on Independence Day itself. However, according to Grant County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy John Turley, the areas of Marine View, Marine View Heights, Crescent Bar and Sunland Estates have banned fireworks completely. Setting off the illuminating shells could cost a $100 ticket on first offense, Turley said.

Grant County Fire District No. 5 Chief Roger Hansen said it depends on the year how many calls for fireworks his firefighters receive, but added people should be aware that they are responsible for fires they start with the firecrackers.

Turley echoed Hansen's message of liability if a person starts a fire from fireworks. Turley said people should be aware of both domestic pets and livestock on the holiday, and be respectful and cognizant of all other people.

"If you do fireworks you need to be cognizant of your surroundings," Turley said, "because if you start a fire from fireworks, you can be charged with reckless burning."

Moses Lake Fire Department Fire Inspector Dawn Boyer said the number of calls her department receives fluctuates from year to year, but her office has issued a number of safety tips for folks ready to set the sky afire.

"They need to be responsible and respect the lives and property of others," Boyer said.

Boyer suggests that fireworks be put in a bucket of water after being set off, and that matches and lighters be kept out of the reach of children. A list of safety precautions from Boyer's office also suggests a hose or fire extinguisher be placed near lighting areas to quell stray sparks.

"If something doesn't fire," she said, "wait five minutes before approaching it, and then approach carefully."

Fireworks stands are popping up throughout the Basin, although none of those stands will open until next Tuesday. Legal sale of devices like Roman candles, fountains and sparklers has been allowed from June 28 until July 5. The state has prohibited the sale and discharge of bottle rockets, fire crackers and other devices not sold at approved stands.