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West Richland hears hours-long public debate after first reading of fireworks ordinance
Summary
At a June 2 first reading, West Richland officials advanced code changes that would shrink allowable fireworks sale and discharge windows; the proposal prompted more than an hour of public comment, with residents sharply divided over safety, wildfire risk and tradition.
The West Richland City Council on June 2 held the first reading of an ordinance that would narrow the dates and hours residents can buy and discharge fireworks, tighten permitting, and shift issuing authority to the community development director — who also oversees the fire marshal. The council heard more than two hours of public comment and substantial debate before the item was scheduled for a second reading on June 16.
Chief staff presenter Police Commander Mitch Coates described the proposal as an update to long-standing code “intended to address public safety enforcement, operational concerns, and changing community expectations.” He said the amendments would add emergency-fire restriction authority, clarify property-owner responsibilities and modernize permit structures.
The proposal drew sharply divided testimony from residents. “Limiting fireworks discharged only July 4 concentrates all the activity into a single evening instead of spreading fireworks over several days,” said Jeff Herring (5901 West Latin Loop), arguing that compression raises enforcement burdens and encourages unsafe behavior during poor weather. “A larger discharge window would allow people to choose safer weather and spread activity across multiple days,” he said.
By contrast, Deborah Humphreys (4705 Collins Road) said she supported the revisions. “It is very reasonable. Thank you for your willingness to keep our community and our residents safe,” she said, citing close calls and near-misses with residential fires in recent years.
Other speakers framed the debate around local tradition and economics. Several residents warned that reducing sales or shortening sale windows would raise prices, reduce competition and cut revenue for local nonprofits that operate seasonal stands. “Reducing the number of stands would hurt local businesses and would reduce income for the nonprofits that use stands as fundraisers,” said a West Richland resident who identified herself as Kelly Smart.
Council members discussed alternatives, including shifting the three-day window to June 3–5 or June 4–6 to allow for weather-related postponements; expanding regional coordination so neighboring cities adopt similar rules; improving education and enforcement; and exploring permit preferences for local nonprofits. Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom suggested the council “segment the approval” by addressing sales dates, discharge dates and stand counts separately.
Council Member Kate Moran emphasized community safety and health concerns. She described fireworks as “an explosive topic” with real impacts on people with PTSD and on household animals, and urged balancing celebration with neighbor safety.
The ordinance is a first reading; no final action was taken June 2. The city scheduled the ordinance for a second reading and possible adoption on June 16, 2026; staff said, if adopted, amended code provisions would become effective in July 2027 in accordance with state and local timelines.
What’s next: The council will take public comment again and consider refinements at the June 16 meeting. Staff and council suggested pursuing targeted outreach and education for safe use and discussing regional consistency with neighboring jurisdictions.
