The Snohomish County Council Wednesday voted unanimously to prohibit the sale of fireworks in all “no fireworks areas” where their use is currently banned.
The ordinance would have no impact on the sale of fireworks this July 4th, a news release fron the county council said. That’s because under state law, ordinances adopted by counties or cities that are more restrictive than state law shall have an effective date no sooner than one year after their adoption.
The ordinance was proposed by County Councilmember Strom Peterson, who represents the 3rd District that includes the cities Edmonds, Lynnwood and Woodway.
“This ordinance is the logical next step in protecting our communities,” Peterson said. “Whether it’s a veteran suffering from PTSD, a tinder dry urban forest in danger of catching fire, or the family pet that needs tranquilizers, fireworks can have an adverse impact on so many.”
The news release noted that while a portion of the county has had a ban on the use of fireworks, there has been no corresponding restrictions on sales.
“Though the detonation of fireworks in the Southwest Urban Growth Area of Snohomish County has been banned for years, discontinuing the sale of fireworks in this same area is a common-sense measure that will bring clarity to the community,” said Snohomish County Councilmember Megan Dunn. “My vote to support this ordinance is a reflection of my commitment to public safety and environmental stewardship. I encourage every household to exercise good judgement as they celebrate holidays responsibly.”
The first discussion of the ordinance occurred more than 10 months ago within Snohomish County’s Planning and Community Development Committee. The discussion was continued to allow staff to research several questions and provide additional background information.
“I would like to thank our first responders for their strong support, so many in the community for reaching out, and my council colleagues for the unanimous vote,” Peterson added.
You can view details regarding the ordinance here.
Good common sense. So many of us dread the 4th of July for the noise that traumatizes pets snd people and especially for the fire danger. With drought more and more likely from climate change, a random spark in the dry summer could devastate a town, especially on a windy night. A few moments of fun is just not worth the risk anymore.
Yay. Wish it was state wide. Our pup goes crazy and its drugs this year for him. We also worry so much about fires.
Good policy. I wish the city of Edmonds and other cities would bring back 4th of July fireworks. I think a lot of people would be less tempted to set off illegal fireworks if they could watch a firework display locally.
Beth,
Just go next door to Lake Ballinger for the annual Mountlake Terrace July 3rd fireworks,
https://cityofmlt.com/2012/3rd-of-July-Family-Celebration
Since 1989 I have worked to create a protective area of .58 acres. Since this date my property has attracted from the smallest to the largest critters, including one bear (which ultimately wandered into Lynnwood and was shot), several deer, coyotes, rabbits, Washington State weasel, raccoons, opossums, garter snakes, feral honeybees, bumblebees, and all types of insects. A year around population of hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and diverse other type birds. One rescue dog, one rescue cat are traumatized by the explosions as are all of the aforementioned critters. The reality of this legalized war-zone doesn’t stop on 4th of July but encompasses several days in July…then, comes New Years. Wintered-over hummingbirds must go into a suspended animation each Winters night to survive
and the reality is the explosions disturb that necessary suspended animation and the birds perish. Also factor that in for all of the other birds and animals perishing during the two out of control time periods involving a purported celebration with explosives. The people affected by these explosions are also traumatized, lose sleep, and probably mentally, medically, and job performance affected. It is time to stop all but controlled use of fire-works as the cost to living entities is too high. Also the cost in physical damage to human-beings and property should also be considered along with litter.
We had the benefit of explosions on the 3rd, and the last big bangs at 0300 on the night of the 4th/5th. These people don’t give a damn about their neighbors. What an antisocial, loutish bunch of “patriots.” (Note the quotation marks.)