Title
FIREWORKS REGULATIONS
Introduced by: Mary Jane Melink
Supported by: Ken Botero
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: REQUIRED or N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Veterans:
July 4th can be torture for many veterans. For those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder loud noises such as the bangs and pops we hear from fireworks could cause unpleasant flashbacks for those have served in our military forces during times of combat.
Studies show that 7-20% of the veterans and troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD. When you consider that more than 2.5 million have served, the picture becomes all too clear.
Pets:
Fireworks are not animal-friendly. Invariably, when communities celebrate with fireworks, local shelters and other animal aid organizations are overwhelmed by the "fallout," which manifests in an increased number of stray animals and reports of injuries and trauma to animals.
Proposal:
Washington State Fireworks Law governs the purchase, sale and discharge of fireworks, however the law also permits cities to adopt ordinances with stricter regulations of fireworks than state law, provided such ordinances may not have an effective date sooner than one year after their adoption.
To help support and protect our citizens, veterans and pets we are suggest limiting the number of days and times available for consumer fireworks sales and discharge in the City of Longview as follows:
Additionally we suggest limiting the type of fireworks that can be sold and/or discharged within the city limits.
Dates and Times that fireworks may be sold and purchased:
Fireworks may be sold and purchased on the following dates and times:
• July 2 - July 4: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• July 5: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• December 29 - 31: 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Dates and Times that fireworks may be used and discharged:
Fireworks may be used and discharged on the following dates and times:
• July 2 - July 3: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• July 4: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. on July 5.
• July 5: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• December 31: 6:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. on January 1
The City Manager, after consulting with the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal and other officials may declare an emergency and prohibit the discharge of all fireworks during periods of extreme fire danger.
Application for a permit to conduct or operate a public display of fireworks shall be made to Longview fire officials. Applications must be made at least thirty days prior to the scheduled event and applicants must meet all qualifications and requirements of state law regarding pubic display of fireworks and all fire and safety requirements and have a pyrotechnic operator license issued by the State of Washington.
The applicant shall provide public notice and outreach to the community in advance of a public display of fireworks.
Type of Fireworks that may be sold and/or discharged
Within the city, licensed retailers shall not sell and members of the public shall not purchase and/or possess ground-launched devices such as mortars and shells, which produce detonation only, and no pyrotechnics. These items are prohibited from sales, possession and use.
Ground launched devices with sound/detonation with pyrotechnics would be permitted.
Sales, personal possession and use of devices described as “Bottle Rockets” and similar devices as identified by Washington State Police would be prohibited.
This section does not apply to authorized persons conducting the public display of fireworks at city-sponsored events for which a special events permit has been issued.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
As the council members introducing this topic, we are not ordinance writers or attorneys and therefore are asking council to consider what is outlined in the above language regarding hours and type of firework. We are asking to direct the city attorney to prepare an ordinance that reflects the hour limits and firework restrictions.