Despite comfortable temperatures and scattered rain in recent days, dry conditions could quickly become a major issue with folks celebrating the Fourth of July.

A couple of hot days can dry out Whidbey Island in a hurry.

“The islands always dry out quicker,” said Island County Fire Warden Fred Wefer. With increased heat predicted for the days leading up to the Fourth, people should be careful.

“The big thing with fireworks is that they’re inherently dangerous,” Wefer said, emphasizing that even a single day of sunshine can dry out grasslands.

He cautioned people to be careful when lighting fireworks. Always have a garden hose, a large bucket of water or at least a shovel handy before lighting the fuse.

Mark Soptich, chief of the Oak Harbor Fire Department, said the weather conditions aren’t a major concern but personnel will be watching the situation closely. The forecast calls for warming temperatures as the holiday approaches.

Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, who also acts as county fire marshal, said there won’t be any talk of a burn ban until after the holiday. He is hopeful that residents won’t see a burn ban this year but is ready to impose one if conditions dictate.

Emergency personnel hope residents will take steps to ensure a safe holiday.

People could legally set off fireworks beginning Thursday, July 28, and can continue to 11 p.m. July 5.

There are limits to the types of fireworks folks can set off.

Stands have been popping up throughout the island selling sparklers and other legal fireworks to residents eager to celebrate.

The types of fireworks that can be purchased are of the “safe and sane” variety that include sparklers, spinners, cone fountains, smoke devices and Roman candles. Such fireworks as bottle rockets and firecrackers are illegal in the state except on reservations. If you buy them you have to use them there to stay legal.

Central Whidbey Fire and Rescue Chief Joe Biller said most problems firefighters have dealt with in the past stemmed from bottle rockets, which leave a fiery trail through the air and often land in dry grass or forests or on rooftops. He also said the district is passing out information put together by the state to inform residents about the safe use of fireworks. He said the station will be staffed normally during the holiday.

Oak Harbor will have three crews working on the holiday. One of those will be at the park Wednesday night monitoring the fireworks display.

Brown said the Sheriff’s Office will be fully staffed during the holiday. He has been busy issuing permits for groups that want to operate a fireworks stand throughout the county.

The Washington State Patrol will emphasize patrols to target DUI and aggressive drivers.

“Troopers will be focusing on dangerous behaviors, known to cause injuries and fatalities,” said State Patrol Chief John Batiste in a news release.

There were five fatalities last year on state highways around the Fourth of July holiday. The State Patrol arrested 204 people for DUI, issued 4,290 speeding citations and 534 occupant restraint citations.

Batiste reminds people there may be legal consequences for any injuries or damages caused by the irresponsible use of fireworks. These consequences range from being charged with malicious mischief, assault or a gross misdemeanor. Examples include possession of illegal explosive devices such as fireworks that have been altered. A gross misdemeanor can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in prison.

While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, it is also a time for groups to raise money.

Various nonprofit groups operate the fireworks stands as fund-raisers.

The Masons Garfield Lodge 41 out of La Conner and the Rainbow Girls Assembly 6 out of Coupeville will be selling fireworks at Safeway and Wal-Mart over the next couple of days.

Mark Wiggins said the group netted $7,000 last year for scholarships and charities.

He and his children Katie and Harvey were busy Wednesday stocking up the fireworks tent at Safeway. They had to be ready by Thursday, which is when they start selling fireworks to people eager to celebrate the Fourth of July.

The Oak Harbor Soroptimist stand near the south 7-Eleven store is always popular with locals and proceeds benefit a number of worthy local causes.