In contrast to the Vancouver City Council, Clark County’s councilmembers are relatively mum on tightening fireworks restrictions.
At a meeting Tuesday, the Clark County council briefly discussed possible changes to its fireworks ordinance after county resident Charles Williams Jr. asked if the county would consider a ban. Williams said the fireworks create “quite the disturbance” for pets, combat veterans and those trying to enjoy a quiet evening.
“When you can’t even listen to your own television, that’s a problem,” Williams said.
Councilor David Madore said it would be inappropriate for the county to consider further action on fireworks at this time.
Following an advisory vote in 2013 on the issue, the Clark County commissioners voted last September to create two fireworks zones north and south of Northeast 219th Street. Those who live south of the boundary only can shoot off fireworks on July 4. Those north of the boundary can shoot fireworks off from June 28 until July 4. Those restrictions will go into effect in time for July 4, 2016.
Councilor Jeanne Stewart, who said she’s been inundated with emails about fireworks, took a “wait-and-see” approach to the issue, saying she would not support any reactionary changes to the law at this time.
“It’s important not to overreact,” she said.
Stewart also noted that people in her Vancouver neighborhood seemed to be a bit better behaved with their July 4 celebrations than in years past.
“We had so many people that acted very reasonable and conscientiously,” she said.
Councilor Tom Mielke was absent for Tuesday’s meeting, but said in a recent board time meeting that he was wary of setting county policy based on “a single dry year.”
After a busy weekend for firefighters that included a duplex fire caused by fireworks, many are calling on local governments to consider an all-out ban of fireworks. The Vancouver City Council discussed exploring options for banning fireworks in the city, and will hold a fireworks workshop in August to discuss potential changes.
Any changes to fireworks law take a year to implement, so even if Vancouver, the county or any of Clark County’s other cities decide to pursue new laws this year, the changes would not effect the July 4 holiday until 2017.
