State Fire Marshal Chuck Duffy announced today that in 2013 there were 102 fires caused by fireworks. Wildland and vegetation fires accounted for 66, or 65% of all fireworks caused fires, resulting in $12,130 dollars of loss and damages.
Summer weather conditions can make vegetation extremely dry and susceptible to fire. While discharging fireworks, a small fire can start and easily get out of control if the fuels (grass and other vegetation) are present. If a firework comes into contact with an area of vegetation, use a hose or a bucket of water to heavily soak the area and make sure that there are not any hot spots that could rekindle later.
A person found responsible for a 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 range from the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
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
The 2013 Fireworks-Related Injury and Fire Report is now available on the State Fire Marshal’s website. 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.
