A relatively dry June has left the dunes at the beach particularly susceptible to fire this summer, and the Ocean Shores Fire and Police Departments will be out in force over the Fourth of July weekend to respond.
If the past few years are any indication, there will be round-the-clock problems with illegal fireworks and fireworks shot into the dry beach grass.
“Right now the dune grass is extremely tall, but still fairly green from all the cool moist weather we have had. That can change quickly with just a day or two of hot weather,” said Fire Department Capt. Matt Krick late last week.
“Apparatus and fire crews are ready, the real wildcard is the wind,” Krick said. “High winds dry the grass and quickly, and can accelerate the spread of the fire, making it much more difficult, and dangerous to put out.”
July 4-5, the department will have a total of 36 personnel each day, staffing two brush engines, one bulldozer, one ladder truck, two structural engines, two 4x4 personnel carriers, and three ambulances. About 10-12 personnel will be coming to assist from out of the area.
“Like always we will stage vehicles at the beach approaches each evening from around 4 p.m. till midnight,” Krick said. “Crews are tasked with watching for signs of smoke or fire so that crews can attack and control the fire while it is still small. Brush engines are responsible for keeping citizens back 100 feet from the dunes that are going to build campfires and light fireworks off. This is to help keep fireworks from starting fires in the dunes. Many times even 100 feet is not enough with high winds.”
Right now the forecast is for partly cloudy for the Fourth.
“The forecast could be worse, but will still definitely be dry enough to present a real fire danger in the dunes,” Krick said. “The good news is we have done this now since 2008, and since then we have only had one major fire in the dunes over the Fourth of July holiday.”
FIREWORKS RULES
Fireworks Ocean Shores can only be discharged during the following dates and hours:
• July 2-3 between the hours of 12 p.m. and 11 p.m.
• July 4 between the hours of 12 p.m. and midnight.
• Only legal fireworks may be discharged. Firecrackers and bottle-rocket type fireworks are not permitted.
• Fireworks can only be discharged on the beaches from Marine View Drive north to the Damon Road beach approach and not in town. Fireworks cannot be discharged south of Marine View Drive.
• Fireworks cannot be used within 100 feet of the dune grass or fired into the dunes.
• Fireworks can not be discharged from decks or balconies of hotels, motels, or any residential properties.
• Absolutely no beach fires within 100 feet of the dunes or in large pieces of driftwood, and you must completely extinguish your campfire.
• Dispose of garbage and used fireworks properly in garbage containers. Do not leave trash lying on the beach.
The beach is a state highway and all licensing, registration and rules of the road apply the same as they do on city streets: maximum speed limit is 25 mph, but possibly slower if beaches are crowded. Violation of fireworks, motor vehicle, or other laws can lead to citations ranging from $150 to more than $1,000.
CLEAN-UP HELP NEEDED
• Volunteers are needed in Ocean Shores to hand out bags donated by the local McDonald’s on the evening of the Fourth, and then again to clean the beaches on the morning of July 5. Meet at the main beach approach next to the Shilo. For information, contact Lillian Broadbent at 289-3980.
• North Beach Community Improvement Association is asking volunteers to hand out bags on the Fourth, and also to clean the beaches north of Ocean Shores on July 5. Call (360) 289-2851 or 581-2685. Meet at Damon Road and Ocean City beach approaches.
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