Redmond city leaders on June 24 shifted enforcement of illegal fireworks from police to the city’s code compliance program and discussed the possibility of a July 4 ban as fire danger climbed.

Devin Lewis, chief of police, said the council moved enforcement to code compliance after an ordinance change in April increased the fine to $1,500 and allowed administrative enforcement. “If there is some sort of emergency … call 911,” Lewis said, adding that non‑emergency complaints may be handled through the city’s code compliance process via the city website.

City Attorney Keith Lights told the council the ordinance change “made it so … civil and administrative, which is police and code enforcement,” meaning complaints filed through the city’s online reporting will be reviewed by code enforcement and could lead to warning letters, citations or other administrative action. Lights warned that code enforcement response is not instantaneous and follows an administrative process.

Several councilors and residents urged a stronger approach. Councilor Kat said, “For the safety of the community, we should ban fireworks for this season, and then we should consider a permanent ban in the next year.” Tom Mooney of the fire department described high short‑term fire risk and said fuel conditions and the energy release component “change every single day,” making exact predictions difficult. The fire danger level had risen to a higher category that day, speakers said.

Council discussed timing: because local sellers and volunteer fundraisers have already ordered and are selling legal fireworks based on prior council guidance, members did not enact an immediate ban. Mayor (unnamed) and staff agreed to monitor fire‑weather forecasts and revisit a ban the week of July 4 — or to allow the city manager to declare an emergency ban if conditions deteriorate between meetings. The mayor said the city manager has authority to declare an emergency, which the manager could ratify with council later.

Staff and residents raised procedural questions about enforcement: some residents asked whether code enforcement can issue citations without photographic evidence; staff explained code enforcement relies on witness testimony, photographs or videos where possible but will proceed administratively when complaints meet code thresholds.

Council also emphasized outreach: officials urged residents to call 911 for fires or safety threats and to use the city’s online report form for non‑emergency illegal fireworks complaints. Council scheduled follow‑up discussion about either a temporary ban or further ordinance changes based on fire‑weather data and the days leading up to July 4.