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Date: June 25, 2020
Celebrate Safely Kitsap!
(Kitsap County, WA) -- In the wake of canceled public events and fireworks shows, local fire officials are urging Kitsap County residents to make safe choices as they look for alternate ways to mark the coming Fourth of July holiday.
As first responders, they see the results first-hand when things go awry. So, the Kitsap County Fire Chiefs Association has joined with the Kitsap County Fire Marshal to ask the public to celebrate safely.
Kitsap County Fire Marshal David Lynam says, "The pandemic has impacted so many aspects of our lives, including how we honor the anniversary of our nation's birth. With no professional fireworks shows available, we're concerned about more consumer fireworks use and the associated increases in fires and injuries." The same advice that's been offered throughout the COVID-19 event applies to the Fourth of July, too, notes Lynam. "Stay safe, stay healthy and stay home."
Consumer fireworks cause nearly 20,000 fires annually in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's latest annual report on fireworks says that these products caused over 9,000 emergency room visits in 2018. The region's trauma and burn center -- Harborview Medical Center -- reported treating dozens for fireworks injuries in 2019. Both nationally and regionally, children are the age group most impacted by fireworks.
Adding to fire officials' concerns are some long-range weather forecasts suggesting that local fire danger may increase significantly with rising temperatures and little rainfall predicted through June 30. Escaped controlled fires are the leading cause of wildland fires except around the Fourth of July when fireworks spark the majority of these incidents.
Fireworks rules vary between cities and unincorporated areas as well as on local tribes' reservations. To verify the rules that apply, see the Kitsap County Fire Marshal's website at https://www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/Pages/Fire-Marshal.aspx.
To reduce the impact of non-emergency calls into Kitsap 911, persons concerned about fireworks use who aren't reporting immediate threats to life or property can call a special line -- 360.307.5811 -- between 8 a.m. on July 1 through 5 a.m. on July 6.
The National Fire Protection Association has a list of alternatives to fireworks that include glow sticks, silly string and noisemakers "Get creative," suggests Lynam. "Consider activities that celebrate our nation and its founding principles without endangering yourself or others."
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