Medical Lake bans fireworks this year as recovery from Gray wildfire continues, will host evening fireworks show

Independence Day will look a little different this year in Medical Lake, which has long been one of the few areas in the county with more relaxed rules regarding fireworks.

Medical Lake City Council and Mayor Terri Cooper last month imposed a temporary ban on the use of fireworks within city limits for the remainder of the year as many people in the area are still recovering from the aftermath of the Gray Fire in August.

That doesn't mean there won't be fireworks for residents to enjoy.

The city will host an Independence Day celebration at Waterfront Park Thursday night as part of its Linger at the Lake concert series. Live music will begin at 8 p.m. with a performance by Post Falls native country musician Devon Walker, and fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.

Cooper said in an interview that she heard from several constituents as early as February about what could be done to prevent the use of fireworks from starting another fire, damaging homes still being rebuilt or causing fire survivors to relive the trauma of the Gray fire.

“It’s hard to explain how much of an impact this has had, and people who haven’t been affected don’t understand it,” Cooper said. “We just need to pause and give people a chance to rest and recover without having to worry.”

The ban originally included the sale of fireworks, but city counsel said the mayor's emergency order likely couldn't prevent a vendor from exercising their right to sell them as long as they had the proper permits.

The order was amended a few weeks after its publication to apply only to the use and firing of fireworks.

In a statement on behalf of the city, Cooper said she wanted to avoid sending the mixed message of “buy but don’t use,” but the circumstances and the limits of her emergency powers led to allowing the sales. At least one vendor has obtained a permit and is operating a stand within city limits.

“Please remember that the suspension is temporary, the conflict is temporary, and no ill will is intended, that things just happened this time,” Cooper wrote. “I take no pleasure in issuing this order, other than that it is the right thing to do as an act of kindness to our neighbors.”

Dry conditions and fears of some early wildfires in the region also contributed to the decision to stop using personal fireworks this year, Cooper said.

“The risk is greater than the reward this year,” Cooper said.