Firefighters issue annual pre-4th warning

Asotin Co. Fire Chief Noel Hardin demonstrates how easily tall grasses can catch fire from a firework.

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Story Published: Jul 3, 2009 at 8:16 AM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2009 at 8:16 AM PDT

By Stephanie Smith

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CLARKSTON - Extremely High Fire Danger: That's the word from the Asotin County Fire District.

Fire Chief Noel Hardin said a wet spring grew lots of tall grass that is now very dry and ready to spark.

"We have extremely dry conditions right now, get a little breeze behind that and we are off to the races," said Hardin. "So you really need to look at the location where your fireworks might land, whether it's your neighbor’s field or yard, alongside their house and really take a good look at that."

Hardin said it's important to set up fireworks displays some place like a green sports field or large paved area and not anywhere near a dry spot.

"Just a spark can get a raging fire going in just minutes," he said.

To prove it, Hardin lit a seemingly harmless sparkler near some dry grasses. Within seconds multiple spots ignited as a firefighter standing by doused the small fires.

Hardin said with the low humidity this week, fire that would normally burn out before it hit the ground is staying lit and that could cause big problems.

The department will be ready and waiting for what seem to be the inevitable fires on the 4th.

"It is our busiest day of the year and so we will have our full staff here and they are out patrolling, patrolling the neighborhoods and the area just to get there as soon as possible. Our goal is the faster we are there and get on top of it, the quicker we can get it out and move on to the next one."

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