Patriotism, matching the hot weather, was at a feverish pitch this July 4.

But not everyone had a bang on Independence Day – or in the days leading up to and following the holiday.

For La Conner area firefighters, already grappling with extended dry and windy conditions, fireworks activity lost some of its pizzaz. Their enthusiasm was dampened by the number of fireworks-related fires to which they responded.

In fact, Skagit County Fire District 13 staff, which serves Swinomish Reservation and rural La Conner, are now suggesting limiting the local fireworks season in the future.

“We’ve had a lo...