Fireworks Ban Reduces Fires To Zero
The kids may whine about it, but Spokane’s year-round ban on fireworks is working.
Fire officials credit the total ban with reducing fireworks-related fires from 121 in 1991 to zero in 1993 and 1994. A partial citywide ban took effect in 1992, prohibiting aerial fireworks, and only 15 fires were reported.
“Ten years ago, we went from fire to fire to fire over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Terry Scherer, assistant fire marshal. “It’s completely different now and I don’t think it’s because people have lost interest in fireworks. The ban is working.”
Pyrotechnics of any type are forbidden in Spokane, and people caught using them can be fined up to $5,000. The misdemeanor charge also can carry a sentence of one year in jail.
Most violators will be found this weekend in residential neighborhoods, shooting bottle rockets or other fireworks into the air. Scherer said those law-breakers are among the most dangerous, because sparks from the fireworks can land on rooftops or decks and ignite quickly.
While fireworks stands that attracted hordes of children haven’t been seen on Spokane streets since 1992, the impetus for a ban began earlier. The October 1991 blazes that destroyed more than 100 homes vividly illustrated the region’s vulnerability.
While there haven’t been any fires caused by fireworks in the past two years, there have been injuries. In 1992, a dozen people were treated at Spokane-area hospitals for burns or cuts caused from shooting off fireworks. In 1993, eight people were injured.
Last year, emergency room workers didn’t report any injuries from fireworks.
“That was a very telling year for us,” Fire Marshal Garry Miller said. “There weren’t any fires and no one was hurt. It was also a very warm, dry Fourth of July, which makes the potential for fires much higher.”
At least six fire prevention workers will be patrolling the city Monday and Tuesday - along with police - to enforce the fireworks ban. Officials are counting on residents to report illegal fireworks.
Scherer said he hopes people who want fireworks on the Fourth will go to Riverfront Park to watch the city’s professional - and legal - display.
“Of course, our greatest savior on the Fourth of July is if it rains,” Scherer said. “We hate to put a damper on everybody’s holiday, but we just want it to be safe.”
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Spokane’s fireworks-related fires