Happy 4th of July everybody! How do you plan on celebrating? 

It's worth noting this July marks the 20th anniversary of a complete fireworks ban in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake, and the unincorporated parts of Spokane County. The City Of Spokane said this has led to a dramatic drop in fires and injuries associated with Independence Day fireworks. “The fireworks ban helps keep our citizens safe,” said Spokane Fire Chief Bobby Williams. “I want to commend the community for their willingness to celebrate the Fourth of July without consumer fireworks.”

Because of the ban on individual consumer fireworks, fireworks-related fires in the City of Spokane between June 28 and July 6 dropped from an average of 104 in the 10 years prior to the ban to an average of 5 in past 19 years. They have avoided 99 fireworks-caused fires in the City of Spokane in each of the past 19 years and that amounts to1,881 fires that did not impact people and property.

Around the country, a fireworks ban is becoming more necessary as three quarters of the country is in drought. That's not even beginning to cover the toxic elements.

Backcountry Attitude has an interesting chart of the chemicals that you can see below.

I plan on celebrating without fireworks this year. (They've never done much for me, even as a kid. Plus, I'm still traumatized from Thailand.) I know that's not a popular stance on this day and it's a message often ignored. But as kids keep ending up in the emergency room and there will be fires to fight, maybe it's time to put down the pyrotechnics. If you must get your fireworks kick, let the professionals handle it at Riverfront Park.

Also, check out this blast from the plast on environmental patriotism.

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