MEDICAL LAKE, Wash — We've reached the week of the Fourth of July, and by now, you've likely seen several fireworks stands pop up. However, some areas in Spokane County prohibit the use of fireworks.
That includes Medical Lake---which is enforcing a fireworks ban for the first time in the city.
The City of Medical Lake is giving its residents an alternative to setting off their own fireworks. At Waterfront Park on the south end of Medical Lake, the city is hosting a professional fireworks show this year.
The Fourth Of July is a big deal in the Medical Lake community.
"We love our fireworks here, no doubt about it. It's usually a citywide celebration," Terri Cooper, mayor of Medical lake, said.
Cooper says the City issues several permits for block parties. People get permits to block off the streets for block parties.
“It's fireworks from well probably about 8 p.m. until midnight, usually," Cooper said.
But this year, the Fourth of July will be much different in Medical Lake with the city putting a ban on the use of fireworks for this year.
“It’s the neighborly thing to do,” Cooper said.
Last summer, a massive wildfire destroyed many homes in Medical Lake. It's still top of mind for many in the community. The Mayor says putting a pause on fireworks this year is an important step to mitigating fire danger.
And it’s a way the community can be mindful of neighbors who are still rebuilding from the Gray Fire.
"It will take years to recover," Cooper said.
Medical Lake isn’t the only area cracking down on fireworks.
Regional Fire Departments remind everyone that the sale and use of all amateur fireworks are illegal in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Millwood, Liberty Lake and the unincorporated areas of Spokane County.
On top of that, Fire Marshals from Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Cheney, Airway Heights and Deer Park have enacted a burn ban. It goes into effect on July 2.
Due to concern with fire danger this time of year, Cooper told KREM 2 that while they do plan to put on a fireworks show here on the 4th of July, the fire chief can say the risk is too high and cancel the fireworks.
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