No local fireworks bans this year

DAVENPORT--The oft-controversial firework bans of 2021 enacted by many local municipalities due to heavy drought conditions aren’t due for a repeat in 2022. Most local fire districts and cities weren’t planning to ban or discourage fireworks during Independence Day weekend this year.

Fire District No. 5, which includes the greater Davenport, Seven Bays and Deer Meadows areas, is among those districts that banned fireworks last year but isn’t this year.

“We have not put any burn bans out as of yet,” District chief Craig Sweet said. “Everything is about three weeks late or later, (with) as much rain as we’ve gotten…fuels are a lot more than last year, but everything is still green.”

The district and city follow state laws, which allow the sale and purchase of fireworks between noon-11 p.m. June 28-July 4 and between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. July 5.

Fireworks can be discharged between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. June 28-July 3 and July 5, and between 9 a.m.-midnight July 4.

Those who don’t wish to light their own fireworks can visit the Two Rivers Resort fireworks show at the confluence of Lake Roosevelt and the Spokane River Saturday, July 2. A 30-minute firework show is expected to begin at dark after a day filled with activities across the water.

Fort Spokane typically fills up quickly for the event, and getting a prime spot at the fort may require arriving earlier than dinnertime.

Reardan and Fire District No. 4, which also covers Edwall, Long Lake, Devil’s Gap and the surrounding areas, won’t have any of their own restrictions this year and will follow state guidelines, according to District chief Jim Adams and police chief Andy Manke.

The Inland Northwest Rail Museum will be open through July 4 and will admit military members for free all weekend. A special Honor Guard will happen Saturday, July 2 and Monday, July 4, both at 1 p.m.

A car show will kick off Independence Day festivities on July 3.

Odessa will be having a fireman’s BBQ on July 4.

The BBQ will take place at Reiman Park and food provided will be donated.

Fire District No. 3, which includes Odessa and surrounding areas, will comply with state regulations for July 4.

Fireworks within Odessa city limits are not allowed and there will be a designated field.

Fire Chief Stephen Walter said there are no restrictions due to the amount of moisture.

“The only regulation we have right now is the burn ban currently,” he said.

The burn ban has been in effect since June 15.

Walter said no big fireworks are allowed within Odessa city limits.

Fire District No. 6, which Harrington is located in, also will be following state regulations.

District Commissioner Ron Mielke said there were no restrictions within Harrington city limits and no burn bans in effect.