Not as many fireworks fires this year

MOSES LAKE - Firefighters throughout Grant County were busy over the Fourth of July weekend, but not as busy as last year.

Kyle Foreman, of Grant County Emergency Management, reported there were 29 "outside" fires from 10 p.m. on July 1 until 3 a.m. July 5. That includes wild land fires, he said.

"It is not known how many are attributed to fireworks," Foreman said.

In comparison, last year was much more busy. There were 56 reported fire-related incidents in the 24-hour period that was July 4.

"Most of those fires were related to careless use of fireworks," Foreman said.

Foreman reminds everyone that the fire danger level remains high in the county and probably will remain high all summer. He said some people are still discharging fireworks, and he reminds everyone that the discharge of fireworks after July 4 is illegal.

"The risk of wild fire caused by careless use of fireworks poses a threat to homes, property and people," he said.

- Staff report