Don't let fireworks take the sparkle out of 4th
By RICK WOOD Staff Reporter
Violations or fireworks concerns should be reported to local law enforcement authorities. Watching the rocket's red glare is an American Independence Day tradition.
Craig Helgeland, Stanwood Camano Fire and Rescue assistant fire chief, said the Fourth of July holiday can have unpleasant consequences due to fireworks.
"All citizens are encouraged to have a safe and pleasant Independence Day holiday," said Helgeland. "It is a time for celebrating the birth of our nation, but not be a nuisance to each other."
Helgeland urges adults using fireworks to be responsible, and to always use common sense.
"Remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings whenever fireworks are present," said Helgeland. "Children with fireworks of any kind must be supervised by an adult."
Alcohol and fireworks are especially a poor combination, he said.
Around Camano Island, revelers need to take special precautions, said Helgeland.
"Avoid discharging fireworks out over embankments, as the remains of the burning firework device oftentimes land upon the steep bank slope and ignite brush fires," he said. "Fire can grow in size exponentially in a very short period of time."
Report any escaped fires to 911 immediately, said Helgeland.
"Residents and guests are also cautioned to use good judgment with beach fires near driftwood areas," he said. "Fire must be completely extinguished prior to their departure."
Many times beach fires will result the following day after the wind comes up and reignites any remaining embers, said Helgeland.
People should only use "consumer grade," or safe and sane fireworks, which are purchased at conventional retail fireworks stands, he said.
"Most fireworks purchased on tribal lands are legal to possess or discharge only on those lands," said Helgeland. "Possession or discharge away from tribal lands is a violation of state law."
Clandestine or homemade explosives are not legal anywhere in the state.
Violations or fireworks concerns should also be reported to local law enforcement authorities, he said.
Nationally, in 2007, fireworks caused 23,200 fires, $35 million in damage and injured 9,300 people, according U.S. Fire Administration statistics.
For Washington state, this translated into 764 fireworks-related fires that caused an estimated loss of $9,026,275 and 207 injuries in the same time period.
Mark Plumberg, Island County Sheriff's Office detective, said using a little common sense and caution can prevent negative consequences.
"A lot of folks like to set off fireworks at the beach and shoot them over the water," said Plumberg. "They think that makes them safer."
Plumberg said that regardless of where people set them off, it still needs to be done safely and legally.
"You can be cited for using illegal fireworks," he said. "If it starts a fire, it could turn into a criminal citation."
For more information about fireworks safety and laws, visit www.camanofire. com and look under their public information and education section.
Reporter Rick Wood: 629-8066 ext. 104 or rwood@scnews.com.
