In almost forty years of living in Index I have never seen conditions this dry, or fire hazards this high, in our town this early in the summer. Outside of town the U.S. Forest Service fire hazard sign points to “High” with Industrial Precaution Class ll. There is a ban on campfires in state parks state wide, even in fire grates, and other partial or full burn and campfire bans on state Department of Natural Resources protected lands. Portions of local firefighting resources have been dispatched to other areas of the state where fires are ongoing. Gov. Jay Inslee has issued a statement urging citizens to forego or limit discharge of fireworks over this July 4 holiday weekend.
If a fire begins in or near Index in these conditions it will be difficult or impossible to extinguish without major property damage. I don’t want people to lose their homes. In short, I consider conditions to be extreme, and I consider the discharge of fireworks under these conditions to pose an unacceptable risk to the community. At this time, without a proper declaration from the governor, I lack the authority to ban fireworks discharge outright. If such a declaration is forthcoming I will immediately proclaim a ban in town.
I am today asking each and all of you to voluntarily forego the discharge of fireworks this Fourth of July. For those of you unwilling to do so, I ask of you that you be extremely cautious and mindful of the possible consequences of your actions. Remember that you are the one legally and morally responsible for all consequences of those actions including damage to the property of others. Wet areas down before and after use; maintain a fire watc, and have fire-suppression means at hand.
In the absence of a complete ban, the town will enforce the letter of the fireworks law. In brief:
1. Consumer fireworks only. If you can’t purchase it at an off-the-reservation stand, you can’t set it off in Index.
2. 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4 only.
3. On private property only, or on the unpaved parking strip of a street immediately in front of your or your host’s residence. Other discharge on the streets or alleys, or in the park or any public owned property is unlawful.
Sheriffs deputies will be on patrol and will be enforcing the law.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. l wish each of you a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday.
Bruce Albert is the mayor of Index.
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