Council holds public hearing on WSU fireworks use; staff recommends no code change

The council held a public hearing on Aug. 12 to review Pullman code and permitting for professional fireworks displays at Washington State University events.

Jeff Albrecht and city staff (crediting Fire Marshal Jaren Jones) presented a history of permitted fireworks at WSU athletic events and explained permitting and safety controls. Staff said most fireworks used at football games are proximate devices designed for player entrances and audience effects; these displays are performed by commercial pyrotechnic contractor Pyro Spectaculars North and require Washington State permits and city fire department authorization. Larger aerial displays have been used occasionally, typically launched from the top of the football complex to provide separation from spectators.

Staff reviewed applicable law (RCW 70.77) and noted local authority may be more restrictive than state law but that state law requires any local ordinance that is more restrictive to include a one‑year effective date after adoption. Councilmembers asked historical questions about earlier uses such as the cannon that once fired at games; staff said that activity predated current permitting and may have been treated under local noise provisions. The public hearing drew no speakers, and councilmember discussion concluded with no proposed change to the code. Councilmember Weller said the public discussion opened a communication opportunity with WSU and recommended the city consider information sharing on the website about permitted events and community expectations.