The Valentine Volunteer Fire Department was requested to the specialty clinic of the Cherry County Hospital at about 9am for a fire alarm that was sounding. According to local fire chief Terry Engels, Cherry County Dispatch received a call from the alarm company a few minutes later, cancelling the emergency response.
Engels also addressed the use of fireworks to celebrate the new year, asking listeners to “be careful” when shooting off aerial displays due to the extreme drought conditions in the region.
Engels also reminded listeners that when shooting off the repeating aerial fireworks, sometimes called “cakes” to be vigilant in making sure that spent fireworks are not placed near anything flammable. These can smolder and re-ignite. There have been multiple fire calls in the past few years because of this, including at least one structure fire. It is best to douse the fireworks with water and stir, much like you might a campfire to ensure that there are no hot embers that may cause a fire.