FIREWORKS: A plea for sanity, keep Hayden safe

Our parched landscape cannot survive your fireworks! After three consecutive winters with depleted snowpacks, northern Idaho and the surrounding forests are completely parched! The ground is starved for moisture, the brush is brittle, and trees are tinder. We are watching the horrifying consequences play out in our own backyard with the Upriver Fire. It consumed 15 homes and claimed a human life. 

Wildfires are a clear and present danger to the Hayden community. It stretches our emergency responders to their absolute limits. If you think “it won’t happen to me” or “l’ll be careful,” you are lying to yourself. One stray ember is all it takes to trigger an inferno that can’t be stopped. It is the height of human stupidity to gamble with the lives of an entire community for some moments of colored sparks.

Also, beyond the fire danger, many of our local combat veterans, trauma survivors and beloved pets suffer from PTSD. The unpredictable, wall-shaking explosions of fireworks trigger physical and psychological distress.

To keep everyone safe: Go the public shows. Coeur d’Alene puts on a spectacular exhibit handled by professionals. Clear the brush.

Ensure your area is clear of dry grass and watered down. Respect the clock. Limit the noise to the holiday hours, rather than stretching it out for weeks.

Let’s celebrate our history by protecting our future and looking out for one another!

Thank you for your kindness, respect and caution.

JESS GREEN

Hayden