While it looked and sounded like a war zone in many parts of Ferndale, Whatcom Fire Protection District 7 Chief Gary Russell said, “It would appear that the amount of fireworks discharge in the city and district was less this year.” He credits the burn ban and recommendations issued by elected officials to not set off fireworks this year due to the high fire risk.
District 7 added additional staffing on July 4th to assist with coverage of potential fireworks related alarms according to Russell. He points out, “It appeared that the activity was normal as in past years.” There was zero dollars of property damage due to fireworks reported.
On July 4th and 5th, District 7 responded to:
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- No firework-related aid calls
- 4 unauthorized / illegal burning calls
- 5 natural vegetation fires with fireworks suspected in 2
- 2 grass / field fires with fireworks suspected in both