Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Friday, July 3, 2009 Wildfire risk very high this weekend Several fires, including one on Jetty Island, have already hit the area recently. By Jackson Holtz Herald Writer EVERETT -- More than the Stars and Stripes has been raised this independence holiday weekend. The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a red-flag warning through Sunday, indicating high risk for wild fires. "It's Fourth of July, which means barbecues, fireworks, that whole thing," forecaster Brent Bower said. "It's very scary." Be careful and "try not to do anything with flame outside," Bower said. Fireworks were blamed for a $2 million fire that destroyed a home Tuesday night near Bothell. Several brush fires around Snohomish County on Wednesday likely were sparked by fireworks, officials said. Fire investigators still aren't sure what sparked a brush fire on the north end of Jetty Island that continued to burn through the day Thursday. That meant beachgoers weren't the only ones enjoying the summer sunshine and sandy shores of the man-made island. Three Everett firefighters trained to battle forest fires worked Thursday to extinguish the blaze. They're expected to return today to continue the job. The smoky fire was first reported about 3 p.m. Wednesday on the first day of free ferry service to the island, Everett city spokeswoman Kate Reardon said. More than 1,000 people enjoyed the beach and water undisturbed by the fire burning on the island's far northern end during the first two days of ferry service, she said. "Things are still running like we normally would," Reardon said. Battling the fire posed unusual challenges for the fire department. Everett's police department and parks and recreation teams helped ferry firefighters to the island, Reardon said. They used shovels, buckets and portable pumps to attack the fire. Before sunset Wednesday, the Snohomish County sheriff's department used its helicopter to scoop fresh water from the Snohomish River and dump it on the blaze. The Port of Everett also provided resources. Crews left the island before dark Wednesday and Thursday. This week's fire on the island is the biggest there in more than eight years. The government warns people to use extra caution when enjoying traditional July 4 holiday activities including backyard barbecues and festive fireworks. "Use your common sense in what you're doing," Reardon said. It's safest to enjoy professional fireworks displays, she said. She reminded people that all types of fireworks are prohibited in the city of Everett. Elsewhere, city regulations vary. For example, Lake Stevens allows fireworks only from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4th. "It's looking up to be a great Fourth of July," Snohomish County Fire Marshal Mike McCrary said. Still, the dry conditions means people need to be extra cautious, he said. "Have buckets of water and hoses and plenty of water nearby to prevent any unforeseen accidents," he said. If a fire sparks, call 911 immediately. "With these dry conditions, brush fires can spread very rapidly," McCrary said. Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Early morning gunfire wounds 2 in Everett 2. Father guilty of manslaughter in girl's death 3. ZZ Top fans get Everett buzzing 4. Crash devastating for toddler 5. Snohomish County budget passes, with a caveat 6. Fall 2009 Wesco All-League Teams 7. Laundry fire sparks concerns over smoke detectors 8. Two people injured in Highway 9 collision 9. Northrop: Boeing's 767 ‘no longer commercially viable' 10. Lynnwood police seek hit-and-run driver 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Holiday Lightings & Santa Sightings • Ruling in the pool • Archbishop Murphy takes title • A season of performing arts • Budget numbers have official fuming • Wildcats move on to 2A semifinals • Holiday Bazaars & Fairs Calendar • Edmonds’ Westgate Chapel serves up hospitality for holiday • Mavericks fall • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million