EDITORIAL: With dry conditions, be extra cautious with fireworks and campfires

Posted 6/30/16

Around the state, several areas are under red flag warnings, said Cody Fire Marshal Sam Wilde. That means critical fire weather conditions — including strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures — are present or imminent.

“Park County …

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EDITORIAL: With dry conditions, be extra cautious with fireworks and campfires

Posted

As Old Glory displays its stars and stripes at Independence Day celebrations, it’s important for Wyomingites to also pay attention to another flag during the holiday: A red flag warning for fire danger.

Around the state, several areas are under red flag warnings, said Cody Fire Marshal Sam Wilde. That means critical fire weather conditions — including strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures — are present or imminent.

“Park County has been receiving very hot, dry conditions, which we usually don’t see here until later in the summer months,” Wilde said in a press release this week. “There is no significant moisture in the forecast, which means these conditions will continue through the Fourth of July holiday.”

If you’ve felt like this month has been drier and hotter than normal, you’re right. It’s been about 20 years since the area saw conditions like this as early as June, Wilde said.

With dry grass, low humidity, warm temperatures and wind, all it takes is a single spark to quickly create a devastating fire.

Sadly, that scenario became a reality on Friday for residents off Road 2AB near Cody. One home burned down in the blaze, and other buildings were damaged.

Given the high fire danger in the area, we can’t stress enough how critical it is to be careful during Fourth of July festivities.

If your holiday plans include setting off fireworks, keep these things in mind:

• Check the weather forecast and any red flag conditions before using any open flames, including fireworks. “It is likely we will be experiencing many days in the near future of red flag conditions,” Wilde said.

• Don’t set off fireworks within the city limits of Powell or Cody. It’s against the law.

• Similarly, don’t discharge firecrackers on state and federal land. The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service all prohibit them. “The only place it is legal to discharge fireworks is on privately owned land outside city limits with permission from the landowner,” Wilde said.

• Keep a bucket of water or a connected hose close by, just in case a fire starts. It’s also a good idea to have a shovel and fire extinguisher on hand, Wilde said.

Of course, it’s also important to follow common-sense precautions. Read the labels on fireworks before igniting them, and only light one at a time. Make sure an adult is there when fireworks are lit — don’t give them to children. If you have a “dud” firework, don’t relight it; wait 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before throwing it away, as the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends.

“We want everyone to enjoy the fun and beauty of fireworks to help us celebrate our freedom,” Wilde said. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch the public fireworks show put on by professionals.”

If your plans include a trip to the mountains, be careful with campfires, too. For more about fire danger in area forests, see Page 5.

Fourth of July safety isn’t just about fireworks and campfires. Powell Police Chief Roy Eckerdt gave some general safety tips going into the long weekend as people participate in outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, barbecues and traveling. “This means lots of people on our state’s highways, some of which may be tired or intoxicated — please don’t be one,” Eckerdt said. He encouraged people to get good rest, and don’t drink and drive, even if you’re only “buzzed.”

As Chief Eckerdt said, “Enjoy this time with your family and friends as we celebrate our nation, and like you would tell your kids, ‘Be safe, and make good choices.’”

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