Washougal council to talk fireworks

The Washougal City Council will hold a public hearing regarding personal fireworks regulations during its next meeting at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9, in the council chambers at City Hall, 1701 “C” St.

Councilors are considering several options, including a complete ban on personal fireworks use, further limiting the time period during which personal fireworks can be used and allowing the use of only “safe and sane” fireworks that have no projectiles and are not explosive.

“Safe and sane” fireworks include fountains, sparklers, smoke balls, snake-type and ground-spinning fireworks, pinwheels, most novelty fireworks, toy-trick noisemakers and some crackling items — basically anything that does not leave the ground.

Fireworks, such as rockets, aerial missiles and spinners and roman candle-types, are not considered “safe and sane.”

Currently in the city limits of Washougal, personal fireworks can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., July 2 through July 4, and from noon to 11 p.m., Dec. 29 through Dec. 31.

Personal fireworks can be discharged in Washougal from 9 a.m. to midnight, July 4, and from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Dec. 31.

Interested citizens can testify at the public hearing or submit written testimony at or prior to the hearing. Written comments must be received by 4:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9, to be available for the council’s consideration at the hearing.

Written statements should be mailed to Rose Jewell, 1701 “C” St., Washougal, WA 98671 or emailed to [email protected].

A survey, available to Washougal residents to collect opinions on whether the city should institute a complete ban on fireworks, modify the existing regulations or take no action is online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BRRZH2G.

The council is expected to discuss the fireworks options during a workshop in November and potentially take action on the issue before the end of the year.

Changes to fireworks restrictions must be made 365 days prior to becoming effective, according to Washington State law.