Story by Staff Sgt.
Benjamin Stratton
FAIRCHILD
AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. - Wildfires cost an average of more than $3 billion
nationwide every year and far outweigh the cost of a 50-cent firework over the
Fourth of July weekend, with more than 100,000 wildfires burning an average of
four to five million acres of land nationwide each year and up to nine million
acres in recent years.
There are three conditions required for a
wildfire to burn - fuel, oxygen and a heat source. Lightning, hot winds,
fireworks and even the sun can all provide sufficient heat to spark a fire, but
most are the result of human factors.
"A few weeks ago we responded to a small
brush fire started by some kids playing with matches," said Master Sgt.
Andres Steevens, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief, who then
explained education is the biggest way Team Fairchild can play a part. "We're
hosting a fire prevention camp this week primarily for the kids, but the intent
is that these kids' parents have a two-way conversation with their kids so
everyone understands how they play a part in fire prevention."
Fireworks, exploding targets and other pyrotechnic
devices are prohibited in all national forests in Oregon and Washington, banned
on Fairchild Air Force Base and Clear Lake Resort, and in these Spokane County,
Washington, cities: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Millwood, Cheney and Liberty Lake
year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays.
Increased local restrictions following a burn
ban issued by Spokane County will remain in effect until further notice for any
unauthorized open burning, recreational fires and fireworks in Airway Heights
and on all Washington Department of Natural Resources lands and regions east of
the Cascade Mountains. Call the DNR burning hotline at 1-(800) 323-2876 for
more information.
Deer Park employs specific date and time
restrictions for the Fourth of July weekend, July 1 to 4, allowing fireworks
from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call the Spokane County Fire
District 4 in Deer Park at (509) 467-4500. Medical Lake will also allow
fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. only on July 4. The Medical Lake Fire Department
cautions users of the risks associated with fireworks, especially during
current drought conditions. Call the Medical Lake Fire Department at (509)
565-5022 for more information.
Steevens says it's up to each individual to
prevent fires no matter where they are.
"We can have fun without being the cause
of a thousand-acre fire," he said.
The National Weather Service in Spokane issued
a Red Flag Warning Monday, June 29, citing that critical fire weather
conditions are either occurring now or will shortly due to a combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures with the potential
for thunderstorms including abundant dry lightning.
"While all of us enjoy fireworks during
the summer holidays, federal law prohibits their use on the National
Forests," said Laura Jo West, the Colville National Forest supervisor in a
news release dated June 24. "Fireworks represent a real threat to our
forests especially with the hot, dry weather we have been experiencing."
West explained that the penalties for
violating any fire restrictions is punishable as a misdemeanor by a fine of not
more than $5,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. The U.S.
Forest Service and Spokane County request forest and park visitors in areas approved
for fires to ensure all fires are extinguished and cold to the touch before
leaving them.
Inversely, according to a news release dated
June 26, campfires are banned in all Washington state parks until further
notice due to a Fire Ban Level 4 - EXTREME. Charcoal or wood fires are not
allowed and, as a further precaution, gas and propane may be used for cook
stoves only. The ban is part of a statewide effort to prevent human-caused
wildfires. This ban includes camping and other forms of recreation at Riverside
State Park such as the Bowl and Pitcher Campground in Spokane.
"As we celebrate our nation's
independence this weekend, the Fairchild Fire Department asks you keep two
things in mind," said Steevens. "First, local firework ordinances for
specific cities can be found at most city halls across the nation. Second, our
first responders and our brothers across the Pacific Northwest have been
working tirelessly to control several wildland fires affecting our area."
"Please celebrate responsibly and help us
educate our neighbors," he added.
If you see a fire, report it immediately by
calling 9-1-1. Steevens said the quicker they know of an incident, the faster
they can put the fire out.
"Fires don't just take a toll on the
forests, but the first responders as well. Spend five minutes with any of the
first responders after battling a wildland fire and you'll understand how
important fire prevention really is."
According to Air Mobility Command's safety
office, more than 8,000 people are injured by fireworks and grill fires each
summer, and more than half of these injuries occur during the first week of
July. Unfortunately, people aren't the only victims, Stevens said.
