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Lions Club says fireworks are ready; Goldendale chiefs urge caution after house fire and report arrests
Summary
At a council meeting the Lions Club said preparations for Fourth of July fireworks were ready, while the fire chief warned of dry conditions and a recent mobile‑home fire and the police chief reported two arrests, about 12 guns seized and staffing challenges.
A Lions Club representative, Mr. Olsen, told the Goldendale City Council the organization is prepared to sponsor the Fourth of July fireworks display and that outstanding vendor paperwork on business licensing and insurance is being handled by the vendor.
"We're ready to go," Olsen said, noting some business-side glitches remained but that the Lions Club’s role as sponsor was intact. Council members discussed sale locations, permitting and whether the fire marshal or vendors set specific allowed areas; there was general council consensus to proceed with the event under typical hours and restrictions.
Fire Chief Noah Hall urged caution about fireworks because of dry conditions and said the school district has asked people not to use school property to set off fireworks. He recalled a recent house fire in which the first engine arrived four minutes after dispatch and the single‑wide trailer was already fully involved, using the example to emphasize preparedness and caution.
Police Chief Mike Smith reported that on June 12 the department executed two simultaneous search warrants, arrested two adults while a third person fled (a warrant is outstanding), and seized "just right around 12 guns and some narcotics." He also said the department faces staffing challenges with no new applicants in the last two months.
Council and staff discussed logistics for post‑event cleanup at World War II Park and the city's practice of placing dumpsters at the site; the fire department noted prior dumpster-fire incidents and encouraged safe disposal practices.
The council asked the events and public works committees to continue coordinating with public safety staff to ensure the holiday proceeds safely and that cleanup measures are in place.
