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Retired physician urges West Linn council to crack down on illegal fireworks to reduce fire risk
Summary
Retired physician and longtime West Linn resident Clyde Farris told the council that hotter, drier summers increase fire risk and urged increased patrols and fines around the Fourth of July to deter illegal fireworks.
During the public comment period, retired physician Clyde Farris urged the council to take a stricter approach to illegal fireworks to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire in West Linn.
Farris said he moved to West Linn in 1980 and described summers that have become "high, hot and very dry," increasing wildfire risk. He referenced major urban fires elsewhere and said illegal fireworks pose a prevention problem: "Illegal fireworks are illegal for a reason. They blow your fingers off, and they can cause serious fires." He recommended the city direct police to add patrols in the days surrounding July 4 and issue fines that are publicized to deter use.
Council President Baumgartner thanked Farris and echoed concerns about enforcement and the need for education and careful consideration of enforcement consequences for animals and veterans with PTSD. The council did not take immediate formal action but discussed enforcement and education as follow-up topics.
