We need your help this July 4th

As we approach the July 4th holiday weekend, we have some important wildfire-related reminders.

First and foremost, fireworks are banned throughout Chelan County. Fireworks are banned in all incorporated cities as well as the county’s unincorporated areas. From sparklers to the big boomers, they are banned because we are one of the most wildfire-prone counties in the state.

Call RiverCom’s business line at 509-663-9911 to report fireworks being used. Never call 911 to make a noise or fireworks complaint. Do call 911 to report an injury from fireworks or a fire started by fireworks.

Fines for discharging fireworks are up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. If you burn a home down or a firefighter is injured while battling a fire you started, you can also be held responsible for those costs.

We encourage you to visit the Skip the Sparks website, which lists all the professional fireworks shows in our area as well as the first-ever drone show over Lake Chelan on July 5.

Secondly, beginning July 1, recreational campfires are banned throughout unincorporated Chelan County. You can still operate your propane-fueled camp stoves and grills; however, the use of charcoal briquettes is also banned.

Outdoor burning is banned on July 1 in the Mountain Zone of unincorporated Chelan County (it’s already banned in our lower elevations). All restrictions, which are in place until Oct. 1, are listed on our website.

And lastly, Horse Lake and Burch Mountain roads close on July 1 and reopen to the public on July 9. These are also precautionary steps related to illegal fireworks and wildfires.

This coming weekend is one of the busiest holidays for our local law enforcement and fire agencies. Let’s help them out by staying away from the personal fireworks and enjoying the public shows.