Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, June 9, 1924
Plans for a Fourth of July celebration without firecrackers or fireworks will be laid by citizens of the nearby coal mining town of Black Diamond tonight, according to an announcement made by a citizens’ committee.
The ban on firecrackers and other explosives was laid by the Pacific Coast Coal Company, which owns the mines at Black Diamond and employees virtually the entire male population of the town. The ban will apply in all others of the several coal towns of the company.
“While it is with regret that steps must be taken which might appear to curtail the enjoyment of the youngsters on the Fourth of July,” says a statement published by the company, “it is felt that for the safety and benefit of all concerned no fireworks of any kind should be used in the camps. A fire might wipe out a town or do such damage that a mine would have to close down, throwing all in the camp out of employment.
“At this season of the year when everything is so dry the danger of fire is intensified and extra precautions must be taken.
“The cooperation of everyone is therefore asked in eliminating the danger of fire from the use of Fourth of July explosives. It is urgently requested that parents explain to their children why this precaution must be taken.”
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