2016 was the first year discharging fireworks within the city limits was restricted to just one day. So, from the perspective of Ferndale firefighters, how was this year’s Fourth of July weekend as compared with last year’s very dry one?
As has been done in years past, all fire stations were staffed during the Fourth of July according to Whatcom County Fire District 7 Division Chief Ben Boyko. In comparison, last year there were no aid calls for injuries and 4 fire calls related to fireworks. According to Boyko, this year there was also no aid calls and 7 fire calls related to fireworks.
According to Boyko, “Overall, our call volume was not any different than any other year.” Boyko noted there was one case of a $5000 commercial dumpster damaged by fire (see photo below). This happened by a fireworks stand at Ferndale Road and Slater Road. There was no reported damage last year as a result of fireworks.
