Celebrating safely

COLUMBIA BASIN — Independence Day is next Tuesday and residents can expect a lot of booms, bangs and whistles, but in a dry climate like this, fireworks get out of hand easily and set off wildfires, said Grant County Fire District 7 Chief Chris Baker.

“We have warmer, drier conditions that are going to be affecting the area,” Baker said. “In our jurisdiction, especially the north portion, we haven't had a whole lot of fires in recent years, so we have a lot of light, flashy fuels that are of concern. And of course, the increase in vacationers in the area means that there's a potential for even more issues. If we do have a fire that means evacuations, potential for people to get trapped, things like that.”

Baker’s coverage area includes Soap Lake and Coulee City.

First responders will be ready and waiting on July 4, said Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kyle Foreman.

“The fire departments in Grant County, especially in the central area of Grant County, have apparatus staffed and they are responding to calls as they're being called in to 911,” Foreman said. “So the fire departments are going to jump on the wildland fires pretty quick and usually hold (them) to small areas, just because they had the rigs staffed and then distributed out around their districts. They know from experience that it's the night when there's going to be fire, so they might as well just be in the vehicles ready to go.”

The largest city in the area, Moses Lake, prohibits fireworks in city limits altogether, but the unincorporated areas around the city, like the Larson Community, are a special concern for fireworks-related wildfires, Foreman said.

Baker said that the Coulee Corridor, which includes the Sun Lakes area, poses a special risk if a fire does get loose.

“Within that corridor, there's only one entry in and one entry out so that complicates things a little bit more,” Baker said. “We have a lot of fuels in that area, especially light flashing fuels. The winds in that area blow every single day. They have 50-mile-an-hour winds through there.”

The chiefs of the Quincy Police Department and Grant County Fire District 3 jointly posted a list of tips on social media for people who set off fireworks, including purchasing only from licensed vendors, allowing children to use fireworks only under adult supervision and only allowing one person in a party to light fireworks, including handheld sparklers.

“Assign a responsible adult as the designated igniter,” the chiefs wrote. “This person should be knowledgeable about fireworks safety and should abstain from alcohol or any substances that impair judgment while handling fireworks.”

Mindfulness of surroundings is also vital to fireworks safety, sources said.

“Avoid areas with dry grass or dry vegetation,” Foreman said. “Make sure spectators are at a safe distance, position fireworks so they will not land on or near a home or building and whenever you light a device, be aware of your surroundings. And once you're done with any fireworks that you have discharged, have a bucket of water there and put it into the bucket of water. That way it's soaking in water and no longer causes a risk.”

The water is important because even if a firework looks like it’s burned itself out, it can still be smoldering and could ignite nearby fuels, Foreman said.

Penalties for illegal fireworks use vary according to the situation. If a fire starts and there’s evidence tying someone to it, Foreman said it could constitute malicious mischief or some other gross misdemeanor.

“We encourage people to please be careful so we don't have to apply any penalties to someone for careless use of fireworks,” he said.

Baker had an additional bit of advice for would-be amateur pyrotechnicians: don’t.

“Go to your local aerial fireworks shows that are put on by trained professionals and enjoy the time with family,” he said. “That's a sure way not to get yourself in trouble or hurt, and prevent getting a citation.”

Joel Martin can be reached via email at jmartin@columibabasinherald.com

Fireworks basics:

Consumer fireworks, the kind people can buy without a special license, are legal to buy in Washington state from June 28 to July 5, according to RCW 70.77.395. They can be set off 12 p.m.-11 p.m. June 28, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. June 29—July 3, 9 a.m.-12 a.m. July 4 and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 5. All of Grant and Adams counties follow those restrictions, but some communities have tighter restrictions as well. Here’s where you can and can’t set off fireworks in Grant and Adams counties.

Adams County (unincorporated): State restrictions apply.

Grant County (unincorporated): Fireworks may not be set off in Marine View, Marine View Heights, Crescent Bar, Desert Aire (except Desert Aire Park) The Gorge and the Gorge campground.

Coulee City: State restrictions apply.

Hartline: State restrictions apply.

Wilson Creek: State restrictions apply.

Marlin: State restrictions apply.

Soap Lake: Fireworks are banned.

Ephrata: Fireworks may not be sold or discharged July 5. Fireworks may not be discharged in public parks or on public streets or sidewalks.

Quincy: Fireworks may be set off only 9 a.m.-11 p.m. July 3 and 9 a.m.-12 a.m. July 4.

George: State restrictions apply.

Moses Lake: Fireworks are banned.

Ritzville: Fireworks may not be discharged after noon on July 5.

Lind: State restrictions apply.

Warden: State restrictions apply.

Royal City: State restrictions apply.

Othello: Fireworks may only be set off 9 a.m.-10 p.m. July 1-3 and 9 a.m.- 12 a.m. July 4.

Hatton: State restrictions apply.

Washtucna: State restrictions apply.

Mattawa: State restrictions apply.