Editorial

Playing with fire

Some people just can't seem to enjoy themselves on the Fourth of July weekend without firing up something that sparks, smokes or goes bang.

Sorry, but this is really dumb when you are in the middle of the woods. Even legal fireworks are dangerous, especially when they are used improperly and in the wrong areas. Which, as far as I'm concerned, is anywhere around here.

Legally available fireworks are allowed within the city limits of Sisters. That doesn't mean they're a good idea. Even inside the city, there is plenty of fuel for a wildfire and it doesn't take long for a blaze to get out of hand.

A little "harmless" fun on the Fourth could end up being somebody's tragedy.

Fireworks have already been blamed for a major fire in New Mexico this summer. Unsupervised young teen-agers were responsible. Thousands of acres of beautiful country have burned -- and the kids' parents probably get to file for bank- ruptcy thanks to the crushing liability.

Fun.

Most, if not all, of the subdivisions around Sisters ban the use of any kind of fireworks. That never stops somebody from going ahead and firing something off. Same goes for campgrounds in the Sisters country.

This is an incredible level of irresponsibility and people who indulge in it should be reported and cited. (Actually, that seems like pretty wimpy punishment for people who seek their cheap thrills at huge risk to the rest of us).

Smokers, too, are a problem. Two fires in the Sisters country last week were started by people being careless with cigarettes.

Again, cigarettes have no place in the woods. I've run across people in the woods, "safely" smoking in their car -- with their cigarette hand dangling out the window and ash wafting on the breeze.

There are a whole lot of don'ts during fire season. Driving through tall grass can start a fire.

A chainsaw can spark a blaze. However, it must be said that most woods workers have a healthy respect for the potential of fire; they're careful and prepared to douse an errant spark.

Most folks don't really think about it. They're too conditioned to pavement and controlled environments where stupid behavior escapes consequences.

There's not so much margin for error in the Sisters country.

People think of Sisters as a playground and, well, they want to play. That's fine. Please don't burn it down while you're at it.