SAFETY: Top priority for holiday weekend

This is a warning and plea for good judgment this July Fourth.

Until one personally experiences the devastation of a total loss fire, the cumulative losses, pain, disruption, ongoing stress and physical toll cannot be imagined.

The unthinkable happened to my family March 2, 2020. Our lives will never be the same. The Columbia River Gorge fire was the result of home fireworks: a cost of billions, the pain and death of untold animals. I relate to the animals: we lost pets, and a horse. I still cry everyday about that.

The momentary excitement of “playing with fire” is not worth the risk of unleashing that monster, especially in a drought and after a week of unprecedented record high temperatures. Please, take every precaution this weekend.

DENISE GRAVES

Hayden Lake