Some residents concerned about fire risk
Mary Laughlin stands outside of Pop’s In & Out Drive In on Monday in Moses Lake. Her readerboard asks people to refrain from fireworks. Laughlin has owned Pop’s for the last 19 years.
MOSES LAKE - As wildfires continue to scorch Wenatchee and its surrounding areas, some Moses Lake residents have begun to wonder if the Fourth of July Fireworks Display is such a good idea in this hot, dry climate. Saturday's forecast predicts another clear, sunny day, with temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees.
One such resident is Mary Laughlin, owner of Pop's In & Out Drive In. Laughlin, mindful of the homes and businesses already lost in the Wenatchee fires, said, "Let's be smart. No fireworks."
Laughlin, a Cascade Valley resident, was most concerned with how quickly the wind can spread a fire. "It's time to be sensible. I'll be shutting shop down early," she said.
Derek Beach, a firefighter with the Moses Lake Fire Department pointed out that the only authorized fireworks in Moses Lake will be set off by the pyrotechnic specialists brought in for the Fourth of July show, and that any private citizens lighting off fireworks are subject to fines.
Open burning is already banned in Grant County.
Beach did offer some advice for those willing to skirt the law on fireworks: "Don't let children light them off. There should be adult supervision. And have hoses and water ready to put out the spent fireworks."
Beach said they did a pre-burn at the fireworks' launch site last Monday. The pre-burn helps contain any unexpected mishaps by eliminating dry brush in the area, minimizing the threat of a fire spreading.
Beach said there will be several MLFD vehicles and firefighters standing by at McCosh Park, but was careful to point out that the people setting off the fireworks were professionals. "They know what they're doing," Beach said.
A representative from the Farmer's Market said they were aware of some citizens' concern, but they were going ahead with the plans, as scheduled.
According to a Friday Herald article, about $9,000 was needed to pay for the show.
Laughlin's concern is not without merit. Last year, the LA Times reported, "the Fourth of July is the most dangerous holiday weekend of the year."
However, the majority of injuries will result from car wrecks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data shows that July 4 is typically the deadliest day on the road almost every single year.
It's not just short fuses and dud M-80s that can hurt you on the 4th of July. Triple-digit temperatures and intoxicated drivers can be just as dangerous.