Snoqualmie considers fireworks change; council plans vote next month

Published 5:38 pm Tuesday, January 13, 2015

The Snoqualmie City Council began discussion of an amendment to the city’s fireworks ordinance Jan. 12, and is expected to vote on the issue  Feb. 9.

Several residents spoke on the proposed change, a ban on aerial fireworks. Most were opposed to it, citing the sense of community 4th of July celebrations create, and the need for better education about legal and illegal fireworks.

The council voted to keep the amendment on its agenda, but refer the matter back to the city’s public safety committee, for a formal recommendation. The committee had reviewed the proposed change, and reached a consensus to send it to the council, but had not officially voted on it, said committee chairperson Heather Munden.  Citizens will be allowed to address the proposed change at both the Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 meetings of the Snoqualmie City Council.

The proposed amendment would limit the discharge of fireworks. Ground-based items would still be allowed on the Dec. 31 and July 4 holidays, but aerial effects would not. The fines for possession or discharge of illegal fireworks would also be increased. The changes, if approved, would take effect in 2016.

Last year, the roof of a Snoqualmie Ridge home caught fire shortly after 5 p.m. on July 4. No one was home and the fire was contained within an hour, but the house sustained significant smoke and water damage, at an estimated cost of $700,000. Officials said the fire might have been caused by fireworks.

This year, city officials plan more public education about the dangers of fireworks, prior to Independence Day, as well as police patrols to enforce the existing fireworks code.

More information on the amendment and answers to frequently asked questions are posted on the city’s website, http://bit.ly/17qE2OP.