Sequim council pauses decision on July 4 fireworks after crowded public comment and staff briefing

Hundreds of residents and several subject-matter speakers urged Sequim City Council to either keep or stop the city-sponsored Independence Day fireworks display while the council requested additional technical information before making a final decision.

Public-comment speakers included residents, wildlife advocates and veterans who gave divergent views on the practice. Justin Greider, fire chief for Clallam County Fire District 3 and Sequim resident, told council the fire district "is a proponent of a public display" and said organized displays reduce unsafe private use and let emergency crews stand by on scene. Environmental speakers raised concerns about wildlife and contaminants; Susan Griffin said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service letter in the staff packet emphasizes buffering wildlife from human activities as well as launch site protections.

The debate focused on three practical questions: whether Cary Blake Park is the only feasible launch site inside the city; the relative cost and feasibility of drone shows versus professional fireworks; and whether the city is complying with federal and state wildlife guidance regarding the nearby bald-eagle nest. City staff told council the contracted fireworks vendor would cost $19,000 for 2025, while a comparable drone…