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.
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