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The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate this country’s freedom, but the horrendous stories of fires and death prompted ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Radio’s Dori Monson to rethink the issue of fireworks.

Dori announced he has done a 180 on the issue of fireworks and no longer wants to see them in everyone’s hands.

Does it make sense that there is an outdoor burn ban, but fireworks are flying off the shelves?

“I’ve come to believe that the risk is way greater than the reward,” Dori said as firefighters continued to fight an estimated 3,000-acre fire near Wenatchee.

Though some ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Radio listeners agreed with Dori that fireworks are too risky, others don’t see eye-to-eye with him. Take Wes of Puyallup, for example:

Dori, what has happened to you? You sound like you’ve given up & like an old man. I love you as much as the next guy, but this is Merica. You can move to Canada or back to Ballard. Love ya, but man up & put a sprinkler on your roof on the 4th of July!!!! – Wes

Or August of Gig Harbor:

If you are wanting to ban fireworks because of them being dangerous are you then wanting to stop bicycle riding (kills 19,000/year)? And while you are at it let’s ban cooking at home because there are nearly 4 million people killed by cook top smoke.

But with temperatures reaching well into the 90s, and in many places in Eastern Washington, in the triple digits, should fireworks be sold to the general public?

Dori said he’s tired of the relentless stories published July 5 about people being blown up and houses catching fire. Plus, there’s always the public displays put on by cities around the Puget Sound area.

Jake in Bothell seems to agree:

Dori – I am a HUGE fireworks guy since I was little – it’s in my DNA. Each year about 40 neighbors and friends all come and have grown to expect a huge show. I spend about $750 every year and light them off at my home in unincorporated Bothell. This is THE FIRST year that I won’t be doing it. We have huge cottonwood tress all around and the underbrush is crispy and dry. One single spark and it will be homes at risk. I cannot take the risk this year … This year we are going to spend the fireworks money we would normally spend at Boom City on a neighborhood party and have a big blowout with an outdoor movie night. I am sad but have that ‘gut’ feeling this is the right choice.