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Home My WebLink About062025 FireworksALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. June 20, 2025 Board of Jefferson County Commissioners Subject: Urgent Request for Immediate County-Wide Fireworks Ban Due to Extreme Fire Danger Dear Commissioners Dudley-Nollette, Eisenhour, and Brotherton, I am writing to you today with a profound sense of urgency to implore the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to enact an immediate, county-wide ban on all fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration. Given the unprecedented and extreme dry weather conditions currently affecting our region, the risk of catastrophic wildfires is exceptionally high, and allowing fireworks would be an irresponsible gamble with the lives, property, and natural resources of our community. As I write this letter, we are experiencing a light drizzle, but it is critical to understand that this is far from enough to saturate the parched landscape and offset the significant deficit in rains and snowpack we have experienced this season. The ground remains tinder-dry, and this minimal moisture provides a false sense of security, doing little to mitigate the severe fire danger. We are currently experiencing conditions that mirror, or even exceed, those that have fueled devastating infernos in other parts of the world and our own history. A small spark could ignite a blaze that quickly spirals out of control. Consider the tragic lessons learned from: * The Lahaina Fires (Maui, 2023): This devastating event serves as a stark warning of how quickly fires can decimate a community when fueled by dry conditions and high winds. The Lahaina fire, driven by gusts exceeding 60 miles per hour, destroyed over 2,200 buildings, overwhelmingly residential, and resulted in at least 102 fatalities, with an estimated $5.5 billion in damages [1]. The speed with which this fire consumed the town was terrifying, leaving residents little time to escape. * The Great Fire of 1910 (Idaho, Montana, Washington, and British Columbia): Also known as the "Big Burn" or "Big Blowup," this firestorm in the Inland Northwest burned over 3 million acres in just two days (August 20-21, 1910). Fueled by severe drought and strong winds, it killed 87 people, primarily firefighters, and caused an estimated billion dollars in timber loss (in 1910 dollars), highlighting the vast scale and devastating human and financial cost of wildfires in our region when conditions are ripe [2]. * Recent Wildfires in Canada (2023-2024): The past few years have seen Canada endure its most destructive wildfire seasons on record. In 2023, fires consumed 16.5 million hectares, more than double the previous record, and 2024 has continued to see significant activity, with the Jasper wildfire alone causing an estimated $1.23 billion in insured damages [3]. Driven by heat, drought, and dry conditions, these fires have led to widespread evacuations of thousands of residents and have sent plumes of smoke across the border, impacting air quality throughout our state. These events highlight the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the pervasive, far-reaching impact of large-scale blazes. The speed at which these fires have spread, often forcing emergency evacuations with little notice, underscores the danger of even a single ignition point. * Recent Wildfires in Los Angeles County (2023-2024): Southern California, including Los Angeles County, has repeatedly faced severe wildfire challenges. For instance, the Post Fire in June 2024 quickly grew to over 15,000 acres, forcing evacuations due to its rapid spread in dry, windy conditions [4]. These fires frequently threaten densely populated areas, demonstrating how rapidly wildfires can escalate and jeopardize lives and property even within urban interfaces. While we understand that fireworks are a beloved tradition, the potential for a catastrophic event far outweighs the momentary enjoyment. The cost, both in human lives and financial ruin, is simply too high. A single errant spark could lead to widespread destruction, straining our emergency services, displacing families, and inflicting long-term environmental damage. Furthermore, a ban on fireworks in Jefferson County would align us with the proactive measures taken by other nearby communities. For example, the City of Port Townsend already bans fireworks, recognizing the inherent risks. The City of Sequim in Clallam County has also voted to ban fireworks sales and has prohibited discharge for several years, demonstrating a commitment to public safety in similar dry conditions. Indeed, Jefferson County itself has previously issued fireworks bans in response to high fire danger, as occurred in late June 2023 [5]. These neighboring jurisdictions and our own county's past actions acknowledge the serious threat and prioritize the well-being of their citizens over the continuation of a tradition that carries such significant risk. We respectfully urge you to consider the dire consequences of inaction and to implement a last-minute, county-wide ban on fireworks, with consideration for a permanent ban. This decisive action would demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding our community and preventing a tragedy that could be entirely avoidable. Thank you for your immediate attention to this critical matter. Sincerely, Stephanie Dickey Irondale/Port Hadlock References: [1] World Vision. (2024, August 12). Maui wildfires: Facts, FAQs, and how to help. Retrieved from https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/maui-wildfires-facts-faqs-how-to-help <https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/maui-wildfires-facts-faqs-how-to-help> [2] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Great Fire of 1910. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fire_of_1910 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fire_of_1910> [3] Climate Institute. (n.d.). FACT SHEET: Climate change and wildfires in Canada. Retrieved from https://climateinstitute.ca/news/fact-sheet-wildfires/ <https://climateinstitute.ca/news/fact-sheet-w ildfires/> [4] CAL FIRE. (n.d.). 2024 Fire Season Incident Archive. Retrieved from https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024 <https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024> [5] Quilcene Fire Rescue. (2023, June 30). Fireworks Ban. 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