Fireworks safety stressed by fire marshal

State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy has announced that in 2015 there were 240 fires caused by fireworks. Wildland and vegetation fires accounted for 193, or 80% of all fireworks caused fires, resulting in $12,555 of loss and damages.

Summer weather conditions can make vegetation extremely dry and susceptible to fire. While discharging fireworks, a small fire can easily get out of control if the fuels (grass and other vegetation) are present. If a firework comes into contact with a vegetated area, use a hose or a bucket of water to heavily soak the area, making sure that there are not any hot spots that could rekindle later.

A person found responsible for starting a wildland fire with fireworks can be required to pay restitution for the fire suppression costs and damages caused by the fire. This could be in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

To learn more about fireworks ordinances in cities and counties and other information regarding fireworks, check the web site at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedoms.

Personal fireworks require personal responsibility. Always remember to use the three B’s of fireworks safety:

Be Prepared—Have water nearby and put pets indoors.

Be Safe—Only adults should light fireworks.

Be Responsible—Clean up fireworks debris.