When the North Olympic Peninsula celebrates the nation’s 230th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next Tuesday, fire officials don’t anticipate any shortage of fireworks.
With the dry, hot days creating ideal conditions for fires, they are just hoping people play it safe.
“If the weather stays this way, we’re going to be on edge of our seats,” said Ken Dubuc, fire marshal for the Port Angeles Fire Department.
“No question about it.”
Although bigger and louder and normally illegal fireworks can be bought on Native American reservations, the “safe and sane” fireworks shopping season started Wednesday.
At the TNT Fireworks stand at Safeway on Lincoln Street, the selection is wide, featuring explosive devises to fit most price ranges and predilections.
“Most of the young kids like the smoke grenades . . . Ladies like the pretties” said Connie Douglas, who opened the stand Wednesday afternoon, when off-reservation sales commenced.
Money raised at the stand goes to the Bethany Pentecostal Youth Group and will help kids pay for camp and other excursions, Douglas said.
Last year the sale of fireworks brought the group $1,800.
On Wednesday, just a few hours after business started, customers trickled by to check out the inventory.
“It’s a little early for some,” she said, noting that sales pick up two to three days before the Fourth.
“Believe it or not, most of it goes.”
