This year’s Fourth of July holiday presented significant challenges due to high temperatures, extreme dry conditions and a very high threat of fire.

In response, both the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend provided detailed public information warning of the hazards of fireworks during the record dry conditions, safety precautions to take if choosing to light fireworks, and information on legal and illegal fireworks.

Residents were strongly encouraged to avoid use of fireworks and seek alternatives to the normal fireworks-related festivities.

In the days leading up to the holiday, we observed little to none of the fireworks activity which is usually seen this time of year. July 3 was particularly quiet in both cities.

Fireworks sales at our local stands appeared to be slow this year with conscientious citizens choosing not to purchase them.

On July 4, we had extra officers and firefighters on patrol in both cities.

While both legal and illegal fireworks were discharged in many neighborhoods in both cities, the majority of residents took the warnings seriously and made the courteous decision not to discharge fireworks.

We would like to thank and commend those residents for being considerate good neighbors.

Fortunately, we are able to report there were no firework related fires or injuries reported within the cities of Snoqualmie and North Bend on this Independence Day.

Mark Correira, Fire Chief, Snoqualmie Fire Dept.

Wes Collins, Deputy Chief, Eastside Fire and Rescue

Steven D. McCulley, Chief of Police, Snoqualmie/ North Bend