||| EDITORIAL by LIN MCNULTY |||
“Laws require professional fireworks shows to be at least three-quarters of a mile from protected habitat,” so states the Department of Fish & Wildlife. Seems logical. Last night’s fireworks display in East Sound, however, was way off course from where they normally launch those colorful rockets. I don’t have a way to measure the distance of this display from protected Indian Island. But it was definitely less than the required three-quarters of a mile.
As a result, at least for those residing on the north shore of East Sound, the Fourth of July fireworks that we saw last night were almost painful to watch/hear. I have a hearing loss, and, even for me, it was almost excruciating to experience. In my household, those with normal hearing were forced inside, doors and windows closed.
I assume that the contractor was ‘new’ to Orcas. (It has been, what, three years of the pandemic when we went without fireworks?) Normally, the launch boat parks (moors? anchors? whatever that is they do) much further out and certainly a safe distance from Indian Island. A number of pleasure boats came to Orcas early in the day and set up in their usual formation, with a safe distance from where the fireworks normally launch.
I hope someone (maybe high up in the Highlands) was able to listen to the fireworks display discomfort-free. It was certainly not enjoyable to this viewer.
And I cannot even imagine what it must have been like for the Indian Island critters, to have all that burning detritus dumping directly overhead.
And Russel Barsh, of KWIAHT reminds us the answer to whether Indian Island is protected: “So it’s complicated. The answer is ‘yes and no’ or to be precise ‘yes as a matter of law, but no in current practice.’
RE: Fireworks too close for comfort:
Another strange thing about last night’s fireworks:
Wait for it…..
There was no fire department presence at the event.
The first No Show in well over a decade.
And what about that last minute request for a permanent Levy, authorizing an 83% increase in tax payer funding?
You just never know if their actions, or inactions, are due to ignorance or insolence.
Not prepositioning resources for high density events with volatile pyrotechnics and vehicular gridlock?
What could go wrong?
I used to say, “4th of July standby deployment accomplishes many things”
It is great PR and it keeps the people we are sworn to serve safer. Often just by our presence.
Is anyone confused?.
Thank you, Lin and Patrick. You both nailed it. There are two sides to this coin. We all appreciate the visual impact and the essential patriotic spirit on display. But the cost is high. Clouds of smoke from burning phosphorous, lead, and other toxic chemicals degrade our air already degraded by BC fires. Chemical residues rain down on the Island and Eastsound’s fragile eelgrass meadows. And the blasting noise is traumatic to wildlife – from chickadees to eagles, otters, deer, everything. The dry conditions add another layer of risk to the rather fleeting reward. My hope is we can find new ways to celebrate.
Patrick, while you are correct.. fortunately our Fire Marshall and two Orcas Deputies stepped up with a quick plan. It’s comforting to see Do’ers Doing. Thanks Chad, Brice and Raymond! Great last minute Cover!
What Toby said.
Re emember that we’re celebrating “the rocket’s red glare, and bombs bursting in air.” Maybe it’s time, at least on Orcas, for a paradigm shift.
Clyde
While a quick plan was much appreciated a well planned response and appropriate resource allocation is what we should expect from OIFR, especially in light of their financial request. I would have expected a multi-agency response plan to have been developed some time ahead of the event, with appropriate resources identified. While it is great, and I am very thankful for the last minute efforts of these individuals, such efforts should not be needed with appropriate leadership and oversight of OIFR.
Greg Ayers
Orcas Island
Fireworks can be a source of entertainment and celebration, but they also come with various dangers and risks. Here are some of the main dangers associated with fireworks:
Why I oppose fireworks displays:
Fire Hazards: Fireworks are explosives, and their use can lead to fires. The sparks and debris produced by fireworks can ignite flammable materials such as dry grass, trees, and buildings. Fireworks-related fires can quickly spread, causing damage to property and endangering lives.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Fireworks produce loud noises, and prolonged exposure to these noises can lead to hearing damage or temporary hearing loss. The loud sounds can be particularly harmful to infants, young children, and individuals with sensitive hearing.
Environmental Impact: Fireworks release various chemicals and heavy metals into the environment. These pollutants can contaminate the air, soil, and water sources, posing a risk to plants, animals, and ecosystems. The aftermath of large fireworks displays often requires extensive cleanup efforts to mitigate environmental damage.
Stress and Distress to Animals: Fireworks can cause significant distress to animals, particularly pets and wildlife. The loud noises and bright lights can startle animals, leading to anxiety, fear, and panic. Many pets escape from homes or yards during fireworks displays, leading to a higher risk of accidents, injuries, or getting lost.
We survived 3 years without fireworks. Let’s end the practice and find less lethal means to celebrate the 4th.
For a while laser light show fireworks beautiful and amazing. Maybe we could try that in the future.s
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” – John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776.
After 3 years of needless waiting, return of our simple “illuminations” was long overdue. How cold the hearts of the entitled who take their liberty for granted. I for one have been most fortunate and am grateful for such small reminders of what we once were, it was a marvelous display! So thank you to those members of our community who bore the cost of this celebration.
This is my second attempt to reply.
OIFR did have a Duty Crew staged in the Eastsound area for the Event. However, they got toned out to a Call in Rosario and then at the same time a call in Eastsound.They were busy from about 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Plus they got toned out to an aid call from 2:30 to 4:30 this morning. Also, there was a fire engine with firefighters and EMT’s staged at the West Beach Resort from 8 to 11 pm for their fireworks display. There were 2 firefighters staged with the Deer Harbor fire engine in Deer Harbor (Note: Monday July 3 there was a Wildland fire in Deer Harbor area that volunteers and duty crew spent almost 9 hours fighting and cleaning up restock engines, plus a simultaneous aid call. Not to mention all the volunteers in and around these events or just waiting at home all around Orcas Island waiting for a page. Thankfully no fires.
Yours in Service,
Bob Nutt, Volunteer.
When I first joined Orcas Fire in 1981, we had a presence at 4th of July fireworks. Also at Deer Harbor when they started having fireworks.
In light of the fire danger we are experiencing and the air quality issues, I have to wonder why we even have them anymore.
Bob, I appreciate you comments but for the record will state.. I called Station 21, talked with the Officer on duty and asked very clearly.. is Orcas Fire needing staging space in Eastsound. Knowing full well that if that was to happen I needed to give space on the Main Street Lot next to Wa Fed. As a responder, Officer and Past Commissioner for over 22 plus years I was very cognizant of Incident Command needs. I was told there will be no presence from Orcas Fire
. I still said.. I’m leaving a staging area for a turnaround for EMS and Brush Truck..
. it wasn’t scheduled and we don’t have the Volunteers to accommodate was the response.
There is no blame form me, but that’s not good enough for the towns needs. I Called other sources and got help. But it wasn’t from Orcas Fire.
Again not critical, but no excuse. Anyone that’s been in Emergency Service knows the risk of a large group of patrons at night crossing roads with vehicles..
Fortunately others did and acted.
I Love what this institution stands for, enough to care and make things happen. But this, should of been a priority for Orcas Fire. The tone out came out after the on watch professional told me, no cover..
If an incident materialized, how sad to have to say.. Oops..
let’s do better, all of us.
its great when the editor writes a column because the readers can comment (about anything?) .
The Editor and ALL her contributors are Great !
Noise for fun? Bah humbug!
Volunteer firefighters? Beyond heroic!
Noisy, polluting fireworks: Bah humbug!
Volunteer firefighters: Hurrah!
According to Cliff Mass, the air pollution index in Seattle shot up from Good to Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy right after the fireworks displays. The following morning, we noticed a haze over Georgia Strait from our deck that wasn’t there the previous morning. But that could well have been due to all the displays in Whatcom County, especially all those we could see along Sandy Point Shores.
Good letter, Lin. The hazard of them being so close to Indian Island was worrisome and saddened me. I held my ears (deafened by planes flying overhead day and night) to avoid sustaining any more hearing damage. But to be accused of being “unpatriotic” for objecting to fireworks and their impact on Life… I say to that person, have you been through a wildfire or known someone who survived it? Afterwards, people were setting off home fireworks in the vicinity. I am always a nervous wreck around the 4th, hoping we get through another explosives season without a wildfire.