Officials stop short of banning fireworks, urge extreme caution

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow County, Nebraska, commissioners plead with residents to use common sense -- and keep a garden hose or a bucket of water real handy -- if they decide to go ahead with their fireworks this year despite the heat and extremely dry conditions.

Fireworks sales began in McCook today.

"This heat is unmerciful," commissioner Vesta Dack of rural McCook said Wednesday afternoon -- when the thermometer reached 107 degrees. "And the countryside continues to be so very dry. Can you imagine the damage possible with one stray spark?"

Commissioners cannot ban the use of fireworks, Dack said, but they can urge extreme watchfulness when they're set off. "We're doing what we can do," she said " ... pleading for residents' diligence with their July Fourth celebrations."

According to the McCook Fire Department more U.S. fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day of a typical year. Fireworks, which go on sale in McCook today, account for two out of five of those fires, which is more than any other cause.

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for ages 5-14, which is likely why McCook Fire Chief Marc Harpham places the presence of an adult during fireworks celebrations as one of his top priorities. Harpham says there are a number of things citizens can do to ensure a safe and happy fourth of July weekend, but two items stand out from the rest.

"The two big things I always stress are adult supervision and a bucket of water," said Harpham.

Harpham noted that in similar dry years the number of McCook city fires caused by fireworks has not typically spiked, but the record heat signals a need for extreme caution to be used by everyone this 4th of July.

Culbertson, Nebraska, fire chief Rich Sensel urges those enjoying Fourth of July fireworks to use common sense and be exceptionally responsible with matches, punks and firecrackers because of the countryside's extremely dry conditions.

"If you start a fire, you will be held accountable," Sensel said.

While Sensel is not out-and-out banning firecrackers -- as some fire departments are doing this year -- he is asking that those attending the firefighters' big annual fireworks display on July 4 not to set off their own firecrackers in the parking lot on the Hitchcock County fairgrounds in Culbertson, as is the common practice before the big celebration.

"The grass on the fairgrounds is so dry that if a fire started among all the cars, we couldn't get it under control fast enough," Sensel said. "It would be a major task to put it out."

Sensel said he plans to locate fire trucks and men in the parking lot -- just as a precaution -- but he does not want to have to use them.

Out and about in other areas of the community and in the county, Sensel is asking that people use common sense with their firecrackers. "I not saying you can't set off firecrackers," Sensel said Monday. "I'm just asking everyone to do it safely and responsibly."

Even though it rained Friday, Sensel said the countryside is still as dry as kindling. "Everything on top is still so terribly dry, I'm just saying use your best judgement. A little bit of common sense will go a long way," Sensel said.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these tips:

* Use fireworks outdoors only.

* Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).

* Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.

* Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

* Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

* Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."

* Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

* Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Heat warning

The Red Willow County, Nebraska, Emergency Management Agency and County Sheriff Gene Mahon are asking all residents to keep an eye on family members, friends and neighbors -- especially the elderly -- who may be suffering in the unrelenting heat, with or without air conditioning.

Sheriff Mahon is asking citizens to pay close attention to the hot weather, and to stay inside and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities.

Sheriff Mahon said Wednesday asked that citizens who do not have air conditioning and are in need of an emergency shelter call the McCook Public Safety Center at (308) 345-3450.

Burn ban

Red Willow Western Rural Fire Chief Bill Elliott has issued a burn ban for the RWWRF District, and most other rural fire districts have done so, as well.

Due to the extremely dry conditions, high temperatures and wind the burn ban will be in effect until sufficient moisture is received.