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It's that time of year again, and a good rule of thumb if you like fireworks is to find a good community display and forget about getting involved in what is an illegal activity in most of Yakima County. Then we can at least cut down on the senseless destruction and injury peculiar to Fourth of July celebrations.

A host of restrictions has been approved over the years, including bans on the sale and use of fireworks in most areas. A twist this year will be a special multiagency task force created to monitor illegal use of fireworks on the north side of Ahtanum Ridge, south and west of Union Gap.

The area, which includes the northern border for the Yakama reservation, is known for several Yakama fireworks stands between 16th and 62nd avenues south of Ahtanum Road.

So, let's review the situation.

Fireworks are banned in Prosser, Selah, Sunnyside, Tieton, Toppenish, Union Gap, Wapato, Yakima, unincorporated areas of Yakima County, and state and federal lands. The banned area includes private lands within the exterior borders of the Yakama reservation.

Under a strict reading of the county fireworks ordinance, only Yakama tribal members are allowed to possess or discharge fireworks on the reservation.

Cities where sale and/or use is allowed, with restrictions in some cases, are Grandview, Granger, Harrah, Mabton, Moxee, Naches and Zillah. You'd best check with City Hall in each locale to learn about any guidelines.

Unfortunately, common sense and the bans don't seem to be making enough of a dent in getting rid of fireworks in areas where they are not allowed. What we hope for now, especially with the task force's emphasis patrols, are a few high-profile fines for ban violators.

As we reported earlier, those who violate the fireworks ban face a $250 ticket under the county code. More serious crimes, such as reckless endangerment, could result in arrest.

Members of the multiagency task force come from police and fire agencies for the county, Union Gap, Yakima, West Valley and the Lower Valley, as well as the county fire marshal's office, the Washington State Patrol and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A person might want to rethink any plans for illegal activity in the Ahtanum Ridge area, which has come to be called a "war zone." What a sad commentary that represents.

Community celebrations abound on the Fourth, and most feature professional fireworks displays. We'd invite people to drop by and take in the one we sponsor at State Fair Park on July 4. It's pretty awesome.

We don't need amateurs setting fires or blowing off fingers. Let common sense prevail this year, or let lawbreakers be prepared to pay the price when they're caught.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Sarah Jenkins, Bill Lee and Karen Troianello.