Whatcom County delays vote on expanding limits for personal fireworks use
Whatcom County Council members delayed action Tuesday on tough new limits on setting off personal fireworks, even as Western Washington baked in 80-degree temperatures at the start of what is expected to be an unusually hot and dry summer.
What could become the county’s second-most restrictive fireworks measure — after the city of Bellingham’s total ban — was introduced because of increasing concerns about fires, environmental damage, injuries and the psychological effects of noise on people, pets and wildlife.
At a public hearing Tuesday, several Whatcom County residents said they supported the ban. Others opposed it, saying their incomes depend on fireworks sales.
Steve Woodrich of Deming said he and his wife have used the money they earned from fireworks sales to help support 24 foster children over the past quarter-century. He said he also supports local school groups and sports teams, helping with trips and academic enrichment opportunities.
“The last time I was up here, when you guys switched (fireworks sales and use) from a week to three days, that took 25% of our business, our profits, which consequently made it so we were able to help the community less,” Woodrich said.
In addition, representatives of the Nooksack Tribe wrote to the County Council opposing the new restrictive measure because of its broad economic impact on the Indigenous community.
Debra Hiller of Birch Bay told the council that people setting off fireworks leave tons of debris at the beach, and that the noise frightens wildlife such as great blue herons, eagles and pelicans.
“I think we were hoping for a total ban, but this is a great first step,” Hiller said. She described nonstop days of noise around the Fourth, comparing it to a war zone.
The proposed fireworks measure would only affect residents in rural areas outside cities. Whatcom County cities and state and federal lands have their own laws regarding fireworks.
The measure under consideration would limit personal fireworks to Independence Day and the New Year’s holiday, from 6 p.m. to midnight July 4 and 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1. It bans all personal fireworks when a burn ban is in effect.
Other cities in Whatcom County take a more lenient stance toward fireworks, with limits that are closer to state law. State law allows personal fireworks generally during daytime and evening hours from June 28 to July 5, and from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
A stage 1 burn ban took effect countywide on June 15, prohibiting most open burning except for recreational fires under controlled conditions.
After hearing comment Tuesday regarding the ordinance, council members voted 6-0 to return it to committee for further discussion. Councilwoman Kaylee Galloway, who introduced the measure, abstained from voting.
Councilman Jon Scanlon said he was torn over the issue.
“I do think we should take more time with this. I am interested in hearing from other communities that have reduced the risk from fireworks. I’m interested in hearing what’s working and what isn’t working” Scanlon said.
