Staying Safe During July 4th

Tools

Story Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 6:39 PM PST

By Ryan Simms

YAKIMA COUNTY -- Yakima is set to ring in the fourth with a bang, and deputy fire marshal, Ron Melcher is on a mission as Independence Day approaches.

"We're trying to prevent injuries. We're trying to prevent damage. When you shoot off fireworks, who knows where they end up," Melcher says.

There are just a few places throughout the lower valley where fireworks are allowed. If you're not in Moxee, Grandview, Granger, Mabton and Zillah, then fireworks are illegal.

Ron Melcher, Yakima Fire Department says, "People don't give it a lot of thought. They're really excited about the fireworks... They like that so much and they don't think about what can happen"

Injuries and damages aside, having fireworks can cost you up to a thousand dollars, and put you in jail for 90 days. Unfortunately, some people still don't listen, which caused a massive wildfire outside Selah two weeks ago.

"I just got a call the other day about using sparklers on birthday cakes," Melcher says. "We get that every so often."

In the end, all the possible injuries and damage just aren't worth it. Authorities urge residents to go to a public display of fireworks instead.

Current Weather

Current Temp 50.0 °F

Overcast

Watch the story

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.