Pavillion Park offers great fireworks viewing

If you want to see real pyrotechnics this Fourth of July, check out what happens when someone gets caught setting off a firecracker: a fine big enough to make the rocket’s red glare look like a stern glance from a third-grade teacher.

People caught lighting fireworks in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Millwood, Liberty Lake, Cheney or anywhere within Spokane County are subject to a $513 fine – a sum police and fire officials hope will make anyone think twice before setting off illegal fireworks.

And they’re sending out beefed-up patrols now through the Fourth to help drive the point home.

It’s nothing new. The city of Spokane and Spokane County implemented a ban on personal fireworks 14 years ago. Statistics show that almost 300 people were injured and more than 1,000 fires were started during the 10 years prior to the ban. In the decade since there have been just 37 injuries and 46 fires.

The city of Spokane has a tip line to report violators: 625-7059. Operators will forward reports of illegal fireworks to Police and Fire department officials in the field and pass along reports to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department with reports outside the city limits.

The fire danger is great this year. The Department of Natural Resources has said that record rains in June caused vegetation growth. It then dried out as temperatures pushed into the 90s. That makes the conditions ripe for wildfires.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be fireworks to enjoy on the nation’s birthday.

The Spokane Indians will aim to provide some fireworks in their game with the Tri-City Dust Devils – and will definitely put on a show afterward. The Northwest League baseball club’s annual fireworks display will be after the game at Avista Stadium.

And Liberty Lake will once again provide a fireworks display over the lake for the public’s enjoyment.

Local residents invariably have visitors to watch the display, but if you don’t know someone with a lakefront address, don’t despair. The view from a blanket in Pavillion Park is spectacular, and there’s music and dancing to pass the time before the first skyrocket goes up.

Liberty Lake SCOPE. will be on duty to help direct traffic and keep the streets cleared so that emergency vehicles can respond, if needed.