Grant County Commissioners allow fireworks, precautions urged

EPHRATA — Grant County Commissioners decided Monday not to ban fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Grant County, but they are urging people to take precautions if they do decide to celebrate July 4 with a bang. 

“The (Grant County) Fire Marshal has determined that extreme fire danger exists, based on lower-than-average rainfall, low humidity, an abundance of light and flashy fuels and the large number of fires experienced recently,” according to a press release issued by the commissioners.  

Grant County Fire Marshal Nathan Poplowski said he had recommended banning fireworks for 2026, citing weather conditions. Fireworks will be allowed in most unincorporated areas, but the rules that apply to any fire also apply to fireworks, if the person using them starts a fire through carelessness. That includes citations and fines, but that’s not all. 

“You can be billed for the cost of fighting the fire, depending on the severity of it,” Poplowski said.  

The commission only has jurisdiction over the areas of Grant County outside municipal boundaries. Each city has its own rules.  

While it’s drier than normal, Grant County Fire District 5 Chief Dan Smith said in essence 2026 fits the long-term pattern.  

“It’s really no different than any other year,” Smith said. “It’s dry in Moses Lake every year.” 

State law allows fireworks for a few days around July 4, and Smith said fires are a concern throughout that time frame. Some years fireworks-caused fires are more prevalent on other days around the holiday. 

“It’s kind of a crapshoot,” he said. 

Jim Stucky, chief of Grant County Fire District 13, said Independence Day 2024 and 2025 were relatively placid, but that was then.  

“We do not know how it will turn out until the day of,” he said. “You just never know.” 

Smith said GCFD 5 has worked out a response plan for what could be a busy night, starting with assembling fire crews well before it gets dark. 

“We usually have some sort of dinner, something going on in the afternoon,” he said. “Shy of our annual banquet, it’s probably the largest gathering of our volunteers throughout the year.” 

There’s some business done during the afternoon.  

“We go over our plans for the evening,” Smith said, reviewing where trucks will be located. “Our trucks are pre-staged in strategic location around our district.” 

While the district has paid staff, its volunteer staff is critically important. “The majority of staffing comes from our volunteers,” Smith said.  

Stucky said GCFD 13 crews also get together before the action starts. “We invite the whole family,” he said.  

Fire district 13, like other fire districts, invests some time in advance preparation, making sure trucks are fueled and ready to respond. “We have all our trucks lined up outside,” Stucky said.  

People can reduce the chance of starting a fire by following some basic rules, Smith said, which include ensuring there’s a zone free of dry vegetation around the ignition site, ensuring a supply of water, adult supervision and safe disposal of used fireworks.  

“It’s really pretty straightforward,” he said. “Just be conscientious about what you’re doing.” 

Stucky said parents should pay attention to their children. “Parents, please, please, watch your kids,” he said. “Nowhere close to anything dry. 

People should watch the weather, too, especially the wind," he said. “Aerials are trouble,” he said. “Anything that goes up in the air, if there’s any wind – I wouldn’t even do it.”  

    Grant County Fire District 5 crews pour water on a fire earlier this summer. With elevated fire danger, GCFD 5 chief Dan Smith said people should be conscientious when setting off fireworks.