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Yelm plans 2026 fireworks show using LTAC funds to mark national 250th and centralize launches
Summary
Council members signaled support for a city-hosted fireworks show in 2026, likely funded with Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) dollars; the city hopes a centralized, permitted display will reduce private fireworks-related fires.
YELM, Wash. — Yelm city officials told the council on Sept. 23 they plan a city-hosted fireworks show in 2026, funded in part with Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) money, to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary and to provide a centralized, permitted location for fireworks launches.
Mayor DePinto said the council is on board with planning a controlled fireworks display, likely to be staged at the golf course or another site that would allow broad viewing across the city. The city intends to coordinate closely with the local fire authority to ensure safe operations. The mayor said the LTAC funding would be used to support the event but that the location and full funding plan are still being finalized.
City staff said one of the policy goals is to reduce the number of fires caused by private, improperly launched fireworks by offering a single, managed public show. The mayor added the city is tracking incident data to evaluate whether centralized displays reduce fireworks-related fires over time.
The council did not adopt an ordinance or vote on funding on Sept. 23; staff said more planning and interagency coordination will follow. Public comment earlier in the meeting included a statement from Carrie Miller of a local volunteer fire organization describing mutual-aid pressures and the rationale many point to for centralized fireworks events.
