Residents press Ridgefield to consider consumer fireworks ban after disruptive July 4 weekend

Multiple residents urged Ridgefield City Council on July 9 to prohibit or restrict consumer fireworks after disruptions during Independence Day events.

Resident Mitch Paskin described loud fireworks fired near his home, neighborhood debris and potential ecological impacts where remnants could enter riparian areas. He said he observed an increased police presence and suspected overtime costs to the city. Shauna Fisher said she circulated a petition, "Make Ridgefield's 4th of July celebration safer and ban consumer fireworks," asking the city to prohibit sale and use of consumer fireworks inside city limits and to encourage community-centered, lower-noise celebrations. Fisher and other residents recounted pets injured or missing and reported debris-caused small fires and property impacts.

Chief Dorit and a city responder provided operational context: the city’s fire response volume around July 4 doubled compared with an average day (from about 16 to 32 responses in the 24-hour window), including structure and fence fires linked to fireworks; police reported multiple fireworks-related calls but no citations were issued. The city described staffing adjustments for Independence Day (mandatory staffing and additional crews) and said crews were able to respond to concurrent incidents.

Council members thanked residents for raising concerns and directed staff to provide follow-up information after the meeting. Some councilors noted the community parade and volunteer support for crowd management during the holiday.

No formal council action on fireworks regulation was taken at the meeting; residents were encouraged to follow up with staff and to pursue petition circulation.