Two people in south Thurston County were injured by fireworks in separate incidents during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, South Thurston Fire & EMS confirmed Monday.
One patient sustained significant injuries and was transported by Thurston County Medic One to an area hospital.
A second patient was transported by Aid Unit 41 to an area hospital for treatment.
“We wish both individuals a full and speedy recovery,” South Thurston Fire & EMS said in a news release.
The two calls were among 28 emergency incidents that South Thurston Fire & EMS responded to over the holiday weekend.
One significant brush fire, approximately half acre in size, contributed to the high call volume.
The fire was quickly contained with assistance from mutual aid partners, including West Thurston Fire, East Olympia Fire, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
DNR will handle the mop up and investigation, South Thurston Fire & EMS confirmed Monday. “Fortunately, there were no fireworks-related structure fires or property damage reported within the South Thurston Fire & EMS service area, and there were no injuries to emergency responders,” South Thurston Fire & EMS said in a news release.
To meet the high call volume over the holiday weekend, South Thurston Fire & EMS staffed 12 personnel on July 4, including career, part-time, volunteer members, and the Fire Chief.
The department staffed nine personnel on July 5.
This enhanced staffing ensured emergency resources remained available throughout the holiday weekend, the fire department stated.
South Thurston Fire & EMS also thanked mutual aid partners, including Thurston County Medic One, TCOMM911 Dispatch, West Thurston Fire, East Olympia Fire, and DNR, for their teamwork and support throughout the holiday weekend.
“Their partnership continues to be essential in providing exceptional emergency services to our communities,” the department stated.
“South Thurston Fire & EMS thanks our community for helping make the holiday a safe one and remains committed to providing professional emergency services every day of the year,” the department stated.
South Thurston Fire & EMS services a 76-square-mile coverage area in South Thurston County that includes Tenino, Gibson Valley, Skookumchuck, and Violet Prairie.
