A Burn Ban 1 was put in place on Whidbey and Camano Islands on June 30 because fire danger is so high this year. To make the Burn Ban more effective and immediately enforceable, the Fire Marshall (also our Sheriff) and Island County Commissioners can add fireworks to the list of prohibited fire uses.
Why do we need more significant wildfire prevention measures? Last July 4, there were 12 grass fires, and two South Whidbey homes caught fire caused by personal fireworks. There are no safe fireworks, not even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 degrees, according to a report released on June 24 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Wildfires are already burning in our state, some caused by fireworks, according to the state Department of Natioal Resources’ daily reporting.
Urge your Fire Marshall and Island County Commissioners to prevent wildfires and disastrous outcomes with one commonsense change.
Sonja Brisson
Greenbank
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