Omak council declares fireworks emergency; sale, possession and ignition temporarily restricted

The Omak City Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 41-2026 on June 1, 2026, declaring an emergency and imposing temporary restrictions on the sale, possession and ignition of fireworks within city limits. Member Mike Foth moved the resolution, seconded by Member Steve Clark. Fire Chief Jeremy Patrick told the Council the emergency declaration supersedes the dates and times provided in the Omak Municipal Code and confirmed the restriction covers sale, distribution and ignition of fireworks.

Chief Patrick reported he had researched local retail displays at Home Depot and Wal‑Mart and consulted the Washington State Patrol and the State Fire Marshal. He told the Council that certain novelty items—party poppers referenced in the discussion—do not contain pyrotechnic composition above the statutory threshold and therefore are not classified as fireworks under the cited standard and may be sold. Member Maria Lassila asked whether the restriction ends on July 7; Chief Patrick said the emergency declaration supersedes the OMC timing. City Administrator Todd McDaniel told the Council he discussed a potential ordinance with the city attorney: to be more restrictive than state law, an ordinance would need to be adopted one year in advance; McDaniel said draft ordinance language that would give emergency authority to the Fire Chief, the mayor or the legislative body is planned for the June 15 agenda.

The Public Safety Committee recommended approval of the resolution and the Council approved the emergency restrictions unanimously.