Councilors hear residents’ views on fireworks

Clark County councilors listened to nearly two hours of public comment May 21 largely opposed to the idea of a ban on holiday fireworks, even though no councilor actually had proposed a ban.

Dozens of people filled the county’s hearing room to tell the councilors of the benefits of fireworks sales for local nonprofits, youth sports and community service organizations. One woman sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

A handful of people expressed support for more restrictions on fireworks use in unincorporated Clark County, noting the annual property damage, harm to the environment, and stress to animals and sensitive groups like veterans.

Before opening the public comment section of the agenda, council Chair Sue Marshall said the council was not set to vote on any proposed ban, contrary to online rumors.

Still, the councilors thanked those who showed up. The councilors said they learned from speakers about the impacts of fireworks sales, whether the financial boost for nonprofits or opportunities for young people.

The council two weeks ago reviewed data from fire officials about the 2024 Fourth of July holiday and briefly discussed the merits of restricting fireworks use.

Many who spoke Wednesday advocated for increased safety campaigns in lieu of an outright ban.

“We just believe in that robust safety programming that could partner with the county to work with you, to work on safety and education messaging,” said Britton Cottrell, vice president of TNT Fireworks. “We want to be a part of the solution and not the problem.”

Cottrell said he’d met with councilors to share campaigns that have been successful in other jurisdictions to limit damage and waste from fireworks.

“Most of the people who sell our fireworks in our tents, in our stands around your county are nonprofit organizations,” he said. “They not only benefit from the program; they are the operators of that program. They live in your communities. They give back to your communities. And so we just ask that you make great consideration to those groups that are working so very hard for their community.”

Several also praised the way fireworks bring people together to celebrate the Fourth of July, especially since the big show at Fort Vancouver was discontinued.

“Fireworks have always brought people together — friends, family, neighbors and whole communities — in ways that other holidays just don’t,” Clark County resident James Clark said. “Some of my favorite memories were made at those kinds of events.”

But others said the strain the holiday puts on already overburdened emergency services is not worth it. They also emphasized the stress and risk of property damage on that night.

“While I understand that people love to have fireworks and enjoy them, I have had many, many years of being cooped up with a baby or little kids inside of a house … trying to get the kids to sleep,” Clark County resident Dijana Katan said. “Because while there are parameters on when fireworks are allowed, they are often not followed, and so it is very difficult to lead a normal life.”

Several of the councilors noted the complexity of the issue and the merits of arguments on both sides. They did not take action Wednesday. But they agreed to review more information about their policy options short of a ban and discuss the issue again at another meeting.