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Safety, Vets, Dogs Reasons to Obey Local Fireworks Bans

Paige Browning
/
Spokane Public Radio

Fire officials are hoping citizens will leave fireworks up to professionals this hot weekend. They are outright banned in state parks and 13 counties like Spokane, Franklin, Okanogan, San Juan, and Yakima. Leaders in Spokane Tuesday shared reasons to obey local bans.

For one, fireworks in residential areas prompt a lot of 911 callers. In Spokane alone, 911 received 350 calls for fireworks last Fourth of July. While fire officials want the public to obey local bans because of safety and fire prevention, Seth Meyer has another reason. He works to help veterans.

Meyer: “Veterans who have experienced combat or been in hazardous duty situations, simple things like the noises of the firecrack popping will remind them of the firefight, as ammunition that’s exploding.”

Another group averse to fireworks is dogs. Nancy Hill with Spokane County’s animal protection says they see an influx of runaways after the 4th.

Hill: “Dogs are particularly sensitive to noise and can be easily frightened and run away.”

She recommends taking dogs for a long walk before local fireworks shows start, then putting them in a room with music on.

Fines for lighting fireworks on state forest or park land start at $500, and people can also get fined for simply having the fireworks.

Copyright 2015 Spokane Public Radio

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