Fireworks stands lighting up Moses Lake landscape

by Brad W. Gary<br>Herald Staff Writer
| June 22, 2006 9:00 PM

Sales begin next week

GRANT COUNTY — Fireworks don't go on sale until next week, but the stands themselves are sparking up everywhere.

Moses Lake stands will begin selling their array of other multi-colored "ooh" and "ahh" makers June 28, but depending on where you live it may be a few more days before you're supposed to light off any of those explosive devices. With a larger than normal crop of grass in some rural areas of Grant County, and rising summertime temperatures leading up to the Independence Day holiday, law and fire agencies are encouraging citizens to celebrate responsibly over the Fourth of July holiday.

For Moses Lake residents, this July 4 will be the last opportunity to let the sparks fly from within the city limits. The city council voted earlier this year to adopt a fireworks ban beginning in 2007; state law requires a one-year phasing-in period.

Stands can open at noon Wednesday, with sales permitted through July 5. Residents in unincorporated Grant County can also begin igniting the multi-colored, sparkling devices during those same times. Residents in the Moses Lake city, however, are limited to lighting off their fireworks to between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4.

Moses Lake Fire Marshal Brett Bastian added that fireworks are not allowed in city parks, including at the city's annual Fourth of July celebration at McCosh Park.

Bastian said while "safe and sane" fireworks sold inside the city limits are legal, people should be cognizant and knowledgeable of fireworks bought outside of Moses Lake. Safe and sane fireworks include devices like roman candles, fountains and sparklers. Bottle rockets, firecrackers, and other items not sold at approved stands are prohibited under state law.

"Best bet is to buy them locally, and then you're assured of buying ones sanctioned by the state," Bastian said.

Moses Lake firefighters will be stationed around town on July 4, in order to combat the number of fires which can be caused by fireworks around Independence Day. Bastian is encouraging responsible adults to handle fireworks, and keep them out of the hands of children. Sparklers are not toys, and Bastian said they are one of the leading causes of burns to children.

As a precaution Bastian suggested dousing fireworks in water before throwing them away, and asks that people wait a few minutes to retrieve a firework if it fails to ignite. Bastian also said people should never hold fireworks in their hands, and warned that alcohol and fireworks don't mix. As a consideration to neighbors, Bastian suggested residents pick up the litter they generate caused by fireworks.

Moses Lake Police Department Capt. Jim Jenkins said residents should always extinguish in a safe area, and supervise children when they're around fireworks. When igniting fireworks this holiday, Jenkins encouraged to "use only as directed."

Grant County Sheriff's Chief Deputy John Turley too, is encouraging residents to take precautions like keeping a water pail or hose handy, and to be responsible when setting off fireworks.

And it's not just fireworks which pose a danger in warm weather. The fine for littering a cigarette which could cause a fire starts as $1,025. Turley said people should be aware they could be responsible for damages caused by fires they start.

Spring rains have made for fertile grasses in rural areas of Grant County, and officials worry those grasses could turn into nothing but a tinderbox if the wrong, stray firework strikes.

"We do this year have an exceptional amount of grass growth because of all the rain we received this spring," Turley said, adding a large wind could cause a big mess.

Grant County Fire District No. 5 Chief Roger Hansen agreed, warning that county fire crews have two conditions running against them; the large crop of grass in rural fields, and the planned warm weather on the holiday.

Much of the Grant County District No. 5 volunteer base will be on hand around the July 4 holiday in case they are needed to combat fires. In addition to combating fires using water, Hansen has encouraged the use of a pair of shoes and a shovel to help prevent fires before they get too big, and before fire crews are able to arrive on scene.

"If they have just a little bit of precaution it will go a long ways," Hansen said.