For many years Vashon has enjoyed the benefits of responsible fireworks usage — we have had four years of no fireworks injuries and fires. That trend ended last year with two major injuries and several small grass fires. The accidents and fires illustrate how dangerous fireworks are when they are used in a manner that is not consistent with their labelling or are used in an unsafe place.

It is extremely dry this year, so finding a suitable location is very important. The best area is where there are no combustible objects or surfaces nearby, such as a beach. If you or your neighbors are going to be using fireworks near grass, plants or any other combustible object, it is important to water a couple hours beforehand to make it harder for a fire to start. Keep a charged hose handy as well as a bucket of sand. A little preparation makes a big difference in the case of an emergency. If we really do like having fireworks, we need to be responsible with them. Irresponsible use results in injuries and often local bans on fireworks. Unfortunately, areas with bans often have the highest injury rates because supplies of safe, legal products aren’t available. The best solution is safe, sober use of legal products from a state-licensed retailer.

Also, be considerate to your neighbors and furry friends. It is great to give people a heads up in your neighborhood to help them prepare before discharging your fireworks. If the people or creatures around you are sensitive to noise, please consider quiet fireworks or an alternate discharge location. Let’s do better this year so we can all have a happy, safe and joyful Fourth of July. Keep in mind that the legal hours for fireworks discharge are from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4 only.

— Assistant Chief George Brown, Vashon Island  Fire & Rescue, and Gabriel Felix, Vashon Fireworks Company