SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — After racing from one fire to another on Thursday night, Snohomish County fire officials are bracing for a potentially dangerous weekend, while warning people to be considerate of prime fire conditions.
"It's becoming tinder box conditions, so whenever you introduce fire into dry vegetation, it's not a good idea. Heed those warnings and red flags," said Peter Mongillo, a spokesperson for Snohomish Fire and Rescue. "If we change the behavior of human beings, then perhaps we can have clean air this summer and forests that aren't on fire."
His plea came less than 24 hours after crews battled several fires in Lake Stevens that were blamed on fireworks.
"It looked like a warzone out here, the sounds were just intense with fireworks and bangs," said Mongillo.
In one instance, he said a house caught on fire after neighbors shot fireworks from across the street, igniting a tree. Flames quickly spread into the attic.
Not too far away, a firefighters put out a fire in a ditch that appeared to be sparked by fireworks.
In yet another incident in Lake Stevens, a trash can at a park caught fire after improperly disposed used fireworks were piled up, officials said.
"These are built in cardboard, paper boxes. They're ignited by gun powder and other explosive materials, so they still burn inside the cardboard," Mongillo said.
The concern this weekend as that people will still be shooting of fireworks during red flag warnings, potentially leading to even more fires.
"It's kind of disheartening," said Mongillo. "When will people learn fireworks are dangerous?"