SPOKANE, Wash. — It’s Fourth of July weekend, which means many families will be breaking out the barbeque to grill up some grub. But the city of Spokane wants you to remember to keep hot materials out of the garbage.

Already this year, solid waste has caught fire in city garbage trucks. City employees discovered that hot coals were to blame.

“This message is important as we head into the July 4th holiday weekend and summer season when people are enjoying outdoor cooking and recreation,” says Chris Averyt, Spokane’s Solid Waste Management Director. “We want to protect the safety of our residents and employees.”

To be safe this season, treat all coals and ashes as if they are hot. Even when they are cool to the touch, internal temperatures at their cores could start a fire.

To avoid starting garbage fires, you should:

Fireworks, however, are required to be taken to the Waste to Energy Plant at 2900 S. Geiger Boulevard. Do not throw away your fireworks and fire stations will not accept them.

The Spokane Fire Department encourages the community to celebrate the 4th safely by enjoying a public display provided by licensed Pyrotechnicians.

LIST: Family fun activities for the Fourth of July

READ: Boat crash witness pleads for public safety on the water this summer

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