KLICKITAT COUNTY – The Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management is urging the public to celebrate our Independence in a safe manner by refraining from setting off fireworks during this time of historic heat and extreme wildfire danger.
Unprecedented Heat Wave and Extreme Wildfire Danger
The National Weather Service has extended the Extreme Heat Warning for our County and surrounding areas and issued a Red Flag Warning for fire weather danger due to windy conditions and low relative humidity. As we deal with historical temperatures throughout our county and region, community cooling stations have opened up throughout the Gorge. We are seeing an increase in medical aid calls for heat related injuries and fires. Weather conditions have set the perfect conditions for extreme fire danger. Wildland fires place all of our emergency responders at risk for heat related injuries and our communities at risk of property destruction and health related issues due to smoke.
If you cause a wildfire, you may not only be liable for property damage but also responsible for paying the fire suppression costs of the fire agencies involved in extinguish the fire. The potential financial and legal ramifications to you and your family for starting a wildfire are just not worth it.
*Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see flames, a smoke column or are having a heat related medical emergency* For non-emergent situations call Klickitat County Dispatch at 509-773-4545.
Klickitat County Emergency Management again urges you to be a responsible person by refrain from lighting off fireworks during this time.
Fireworks Safety
If you do choose to use fireworks please be responsible by follow these fireworks safety tips.
- Be prepared before lighting fireworks: Have a sufficient water supply available by using a garden hose or bucket.
- Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
- Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
- Be Aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in a legal manner.
Currently fireworks are allowed to be legally discharged in Klickitat County as follows:
Unincorporated Klickitat County: July 4 only between 09:00AM and 11:00PM
City of Goldendale: July 4 only between 6:00PM and Midnight
City of White Salmon: Banned as per Emergency Declaration
City of Bingen: Banned as per city ordinance
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