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After July 4th safety report, Pullman council schedules public hearing on fireworks rules including WSU displays
Summary
Following a July 4 safety report that recorded no injuries but multiple complaints, council members debated limiting fireworks to July 4 and New Year’s and removing code provisions that permit Washington State University‑sanctioned displays. Council directed staff to prepare a redlined ordinance and schedule a public hearing.
City officials reported the July 4 celebration at Sunnyside Park proceeded without injuries but generated dozens of public fireworks complaints, prompting renewed council discussion about restricting fireworks beyond the holiday windows and curbing university‑sanctioned displays.
Fire Marshal Darren Jones told council that Pullman’s professional July 4 fireworks show and related incident plan went smoothly and that fire and police resources were deployed throughout the night. "I’m pleased to report there were no injuries from fireworks in Pullman from July 1 through July 4," Jones said. The city documented two small fires that were quickly extinguished and reported 14 fireworks complaints handled by the Pullman Police Department during the period; Whitcom 911 logged 343 calls between 8 a.m. on July 4 and 3 a.m. on July 5, many of which were non‑emergencies.
Council members and residents stressed that fireworks — especially those set off at Washington State University athletic events — cause distress for people with post‑traumatic stress disorder, pets and families living near stadiums. Council member Weller said the recurring practice of university displays has long created problems in Ward 2 and called for better coordination or rule changes: "This is a problem. I don't think we can continue doing this, especially for Ward 2."
City staff explained that the current code includes specific allowances for Washington State University‑sanctioned displays and that other commercial permits require council approval; changing WSU’s allowance would require an amendment to the municipal code. After discussion, council directed staff to prepare a redlined ordinance striking the WSU‑sanctioned exception and to schedule a public hearing to collect broader community input before any final ordinance change.
Council members said they intend the public hearing to allow stakeholders — residents, WSU and event organizers — to present views before council votes on any code change. Staff will return to council with a draft ordinance and a public‑hearing schedule.
