Medical Lake asks residents not to light fireworks

The city of Medical Lake is requesting residents refrain from using fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Medical Lake Fire Chief Jason Mayfield explained that the city is not forcibly banning fireworks but rather asking residents to “voluntarily ban” them. This volunteer ban is a result of the recent drought conditions, hot temperatures and potential threat of wildfires.

“We’ve already had lots of fires this year,” Mayfield said. “The prudent thing would be for residents not to set off fireworks.”

The City Council voiced similar concerns and had discussed an emergency fireworks ban at its May 5 meeting. Residents have also appeared at recent council meetings and asked the council and their fellow community members to take caution when using fireworks. Medical Lake, along with Airway Heights, currently allows fireworks to be set off on private property within city limits.

There are three fireworks stands permitted in Medical Lake this year, however the city cannot legally ban merchants from selling them. It had discussed banning fireworks before with residents taking both sides of the matter. Mayfield said the Fire Department conducts community surveys with many residents in favor of fireworks.

The ban on fireworks is Medical Lake’s latest steps in trying to prevent fires. It recently imposed a restriction on unauthorized recreational fires — including campfires, fire bowls and fire pits — and open burning until further notice. The burn ban does not prevent owners from using manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces, barbecues or patio warmers.

In the past, the city has had some problems with people lighting off fireworks, mostly with nonresidents coming into the city and setting them off in parks and business parking lots.

Mayfield said part of the Fire Department’s preparation for July 4 is being “as staffed as they can.” They will also conduct patrols with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and monitor the area.

“Most years we don’t have a lot of issues, but the potential is there for big problems for this year,” Mayfield said. “We’re going to do our best to jump on any problems as quick as possible.”

Fireworks that are legal for people to use in Washington include cylindrical and cone fountains, smoke devices, roman candles, parachutes, wheel, ground spinners, reloadable mortars, novelties, dipped sticks and sparklers.

Illegal fireworks include sky rockets and missiles and illegal explosive devices.

“If you are going to light off fireworks, we ask that you do it on hard surfaces and have water on hand to stop fires if they start,” Mayfield said.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.