Safely celebrate the Fourth of July

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a great success. Bigfork Fire Department would like to thank Friends of Bigfork Fire for their time effort in raising the money for our training facilities.

We also want to thank all of the contributors who donated money toward this project.

Friends of Bigfork Fire will have its annual fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 10, which includes golf, tennis and an auction.

As of July 1, open burning will be closed until Oct. 1. Only recreational campfires 3-by-3-by-3 feet will be allowed at this time. This could change if it gets hot and dry.

With the Fourth of July several days away, I would like everyone to safely celebrate the Fourth, keeping in mind the following tips:

Always read and follow label directions, have an adult present, buy from reliable sellers, use outdoors only, always have water handy (garden hose and a bucket), never experiment or make your own fireworks, light only one firework at a time and never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).

Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing them in your trash can, never throw or point fireworks at other people, never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers, and the shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

Consider your pets and neighbors when shooting off fireworks.

Be safe!

Bigfork Fire Department responded to six incidents in June: building fire (1), gasoline or other flammable liquids spill (1), gas leak (natural gas or LPG) (1), power line down (2), false alarm or false call (1). Top responder was Lt. Marv Gielen (5).

Hopefully summer is here. Enjoy your time in the Flathead and be safe.

Loeffler is the chief of the Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department.