The following is written by Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow:

This Saturday, it’s the 4th of July, the day when we celebrate our freedom and our country’s commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  The idea of blowingthings up goes all the way back to early celebrations that included firing of cannons and fireworks.  I know this is a time-honored tradition that goes way back, but we’re also experiencing an unusually dry summer this year.

When our founders created this democracy, they entrusted us with not only freedoms but also responsibilities.  Even though approved fireworks will be legal in Sumner fromnoon to midnight on the 4th of July, please think twice before lighting that sparkler.  Fireworks by nature are unpredictable and no matter how many precautions you take,they increase the risk of fire in our community.  As we see brush fires flare around us–from the horrible Sleepy Hollow Fire in Wenatchee to the fire sparked by a speeding motorcycle in our own town last week near The Old Cannery–it’s just too dry to literally play with fire.

Our brand new Fire Chief Bud Backer has already contacted me with his plans to be vigilant during the holiday, but our firefighters will be spread thin with normal calls. Click here for links to more information about what’s legal and not, how to take precautions, and where to find professional shows, a great alternative this year to lighting your own fireworks in our neighborhoods.  Please keep Sumner independent from fear and fire by perhaps modifying your celebrations this year.  Let’s all have a safe and happy holiday!