Irresponsible Tramp Harbor fire

The folks who had a fire at scenic Tramp Harbor beach the evening of Sunday, June 22 deserve a public scolding.

Vashon’s fire-on-the-beach tradition may be delightful, but it comes with a community responsibility — complete extinguishment. Tramp Harbor is a common place where families with barefoot little kids come to play, since they can easily unload from the parking area.

Watching the fire department the next day have to drag large, heavy, smoldering driftwood logs into the water was shocking. Worst was seeing the puff of smoke released each time they turned the ember-laden sand with their shovels.

What if….? We will soon be in the dry and windy summer months when fires can quickly spread. A countywide fire ban began June 30. Please keep our island safe.

Carla Okigwe

Reconsider fireworks

Yesterday I heard birds screeching, and then saw what appeared to be a small bird in the mouth of a crow fly across the sky, with a small bird flying after it, screaming out as it went.

Soon it will be firecrackers exploding in the sky and, despite the law, this continues to happen all across properties on the island.

For animals, this is a time of terror and fears of impending death. Humans know that July 4th is a celebration, but our many animals (deer, raccoon, squirrels, birds, etc,), wild and domesticated, do not. And those humans who have experienced gun violence in war, at home or on the street can also recoil from the sounds of explosions.

There are many stories. Here is only one: While fireworks exploded nearby a little kitten in the lap of its caregiver died suddenly.

Please, consider keeping neighborhoods explosion-free and allow the animals their peace. Thank you.

Jo Ann Herbert