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West Richland council declines proposed tighter fireworks rules after marathon public hearing
Summary
After more than two hours of public testimony, the council rejected proposed changes that would have cut fireworks sales and limited discharge days; residents and vendors clashed over wildfire risk, public safety and local tradition.
The West Richland City Council considered a proposal to tighten fireworks rules on June 16, but after extensive public comment and several amendment attempts the body failed to change the city’s current fireworks code.
The ordinance under consideration would have shortened the retail sales window and limited the use of consumer fireworks to July 4 only, shifting permit authority from the finance director to the community development director. Supporters argued the change would reduce fire risk, shorten days of disturbance and ease enforcement. Opponents said the measure would effectively function as a ban, would push residents to unregulated sources and could harm local vendors and nonprofits that raise funds through sales.
Dozens of residents spoke during two public-comment periods. Several described close calls and property damage they blamed on aerial fireworks. Rose Johnson, a West Richland resident, described losing control of falling debris last year and said falling embers ignited her grape vine: “We watched the debris fall on our grape vine and ignite it. … This isn’t fun anymore. This isn’t safe.” Other speakers recounted strains on emergency services and urged limits on aerials and multiple-day discharge windows.
Vendors and some residents warned of unintended consequences if sales were curtailed. Adam Walker, who said his company has sold fireworks in West Richland since 2020, told council that tighter local limits can drive buyers to reservations or other unregulated sources and argued a shorter sales period could increase unsafe purchases: “My fear … is that people are going to continue to buy fireworks from places they shouldn't be buying them from and buying illegal fireworks and bringing them into our city.”
Council members debated several amendments: an amendment to allow discharge July 3–5 (evenings only) passed on a roll call, but later votes on the broader ordinance failed. After extended discussion and multiple roll‑call tallies, the council did not adopt Ordinance 11‑26 and therefore made no change to the city’s current fireworks regulations.
Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom read from municipal code language emphasizing the council’s obligation to balance celebration with safety and noted existing nuisance and reckless-use statutes. Chief Fry, the fire chief, had earlier recommended the changes as a way to reduce the strain on emergency responders during the holiday period.
The council did not adopt the proposed ordinance as presented; the city will continue to enforce existing state and municipal fireworks rules. Council members and staff said they may revisit fireworks policy in the future, and residents on both sides said they would keep pressing the council for either stricter limits or protections for vendors.
The council moved on to other agenda items and adjourned later the evening.
