Fire Officials urge public to ‘Skip the Sparks’ this Fourth of July to prevent wildfires

WENATCHEE  — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, fire officials in Chelan and Douglas counties are urging residents and visitors to forgo personal fireworks and instead attend public displays to prevent the risk of wildfires in the already dry and fire-prone region.

“We were stretched to capacity last Fourth of July,” said Deputy Chief Kurt Blanchard of the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department. “We went from one call to the next, and then fireworks ignited the Balsam Root Fire, causing evacuations and a long night for first responders who were already taxed and exhausted. I do not want a repeat of last year. It was a rough night.”

Fireworks are banned throughout Chelan County, including in city limits and unincorporated areas. In Douglas County, they are only permitted in Rock Island during limited hours.

“People visiting don’t understand our arid climate and just how susceptible we are to fire,” said Chief Arnold Baker of the Manson Fire Department. “A single spark can create a fast-moving wildfire and destroy property and endanger lives. If you’ve already bought fireworks, save them for New Year’s Eve.”

Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Steve Foley emphasized the area’s beauty and vulnerability.

“Unfortunately, that also means our community is surrounded by wildfire fuels,” Foley said. “It is especially dry and volatile this year. For everyone’s safety, we need people to respect the fireworks and campfire restrictions in our area. Please come enjoy our area but leave the fireworks at home.”

Officials note that consequences for violating fireworks bans range from fines to jail time. If a fire results, the responsible individual may be held liable for suppression costs and damages. One cited example from 2019 involved an Everett man who ignited a 14-acre brush fire in Manson using mailbox fireworks. He served jail time, community service, and paid nearly $40,000 in restitution, Baker said.

To increase awareness, agencies have launched the “Skip the Sparks” campaign, including a website (SkipTheSparks.org), social media messaging, and signage on local and state electronic reader boards. Chelan County will close the dirt sections of Horse Lake and Burch Mountain roads July 2–9, and lawn signs have been placed in key towns.

“When firework-related fires begin to break out, they can quickly begin to overwhelm our firefighters, putting everyone at risk,” Blanchard said. “When your life is in immediate danger and seconds count, substantial delays in the delivery of emergency care can result in increased injury and even death.”

The campaign is supported by local fire departments, Chelan and Douglas counties, cities including East Wenatchee, Chelan and Leavenworth, and the Chelan-Douglas Health District.

“We encourage everyone to get on board – to join us in respecting the fireworks ban,” Baker said. “Let’s celebrate as a community together at one of the public fireworks shows in our area.”