Fireworks ban to be decided
Published 12:27 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008
By Kevin Hanson
The Courier-Herald
Fireworks are considered by many to be an integral part of any Fourth of July celebration, but the traditional showers of sparks could be missing from the holiday scene this year.
With a recommendation from county fire officials in hand, members of the Enumclaw City Council are considering a ban on fireworks for the remainder of 2005.
No decision is expected immediately, but the city is working on a draft ordinance that would place a temporary ban on fireworks, effective for the remainder of the calendar year. It is expected the measure will be forwarded to a City Council committee before going to the full body. Mayor John Wise said the recommendation from city administration will be to follow the experts' advice and implement the ban.
A fear of fire is sparking the entire fireworks issue. Both the King County Fire Chiefs Association and the King County Fire Commissioners Association have unanimously voted to request that all cities impose the ban on fireworks. A letter from the Fire Chiefs Association said the request "is due to the extreme drought conditions and ultra high fire danger that is projected for the summer months and beyond, throughout King County and in our local towns and cities."
The letter clearly acknowledges such a move will prove unpopular. Aside from those who enjoy the spectacle of bright lights, booms, crackles and hisses, fireworks also have become a popular way of raising money for worthwhile causes. In Enumclaw, for example, a youth swim club has sold "safe and sane" fireworks to support its endeavors. If the City Council follows the recommendation of fire experts, that fund raiser will have to be scrapped this year.
The recommendation being considered does not apply to public, professional fireworks displays. So, the annual show at the King County Fairgrounds, which wraps up the local Stars and Stripes celebration, will not be impacted.
Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald.
