By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
A bit of a breeze and some pre-holiday fireworks combined are probably behind a fire that ignited in an Adna area wood shed last night.
Firefighters called about 11:10 p.m. to the 100 block of Bunker Creek Road found the homeowner had already put out the flames but crews stayed on the scene about 45 minutes removing the firewood stored in the small building, according to Lewis County Fire District 6.
Fire Chief Tim Kinder said the residents were using fireworks away from the shed, but he suspects an ember may have been carried by the wind into the kindling box.
Last year around the state there were 102 fireworks related fires reported to the state fire marshal’s office, most of which occurred on July 4. There were also 239 injuries, the majority caused by safe and sane fireworks purchased from a Washington State licensed fireworks stand.
The law says folks can light off their fireworks as early as 9 o’clock in the morning and can continue until 11 p.m., except on the Fourth of July itself it’s okay to keep going until midnight. Saturday is the last day they are permitted by law until New Year’s Eve.
Using or possessing fireworks is prohibited in national forests such as in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. They are not allowed to be discharged on public lands managed by the state Department of Natural Resources.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that possession of illegal fireworks can bring a gross misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine as much as $5,000.
The sheriff’s office offers the following advice to stay safe:
• Only use legal fireworks.
• Have responsible adult present to supervise the use of fireworks.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire.
• Do not allow young children to discharge fireworks.
• Never point or throw a firework at anyone.
• Never hold or throw a firework – light it and back away quickly.
• Stay away from fireworks that failed to ignite.
• Take your neighbors and their property into consideration when lighting fireworks.