Emergency Fireworks Ban Fails To Pass Pierce County Council

TACOMA, WA — A last-ditch attempt to ban fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County has failed.

At the Pierce County Council's Tuesday afternoon meeting, the council was asked to consider an emergency ordinance, sponsored by councilmember Hitchen, which would have authorized the Fire Marshal to institute a temporary fireworks ban in unincorporated parts of the county.

Last week, the Pierce County Fire Marshal announced a county-wide burn ban for unincorporated Pierce County.

Supporters argue that, like the burn ban, a fireworks ban is necessary to prevent wildfires, noting that Pierce County experienced multiple wild and urban fires last summer, and that conditions are even worse this year: before the recent heat wave NOAA forecasters were already predicting an above average wildfire season.

As the ordinance explains:

"This Emergency Ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare. Pierce County is experiencing an unprecedented, record-breaking heatwave that is creating extreme fire-risk conditions that has already prompted the Pierce County Fire Marshal to declare an outdoor burn ban in unincorporated Pierce County."

However, an emergency ordinance needs a super majority to advance and, despite a lengthy deliberation and period of public comment, failed to get the necessary five votes. The council ultimately voted 4 - 3 in favor of the emergency, with councilmembers Morell, Zeiger and Cruver voting nay.

State law restricts firework use to June 29 through July 5, though jurisdictions like Pierce County are free to restrict their use even further. Because the emergency ordinance failed, in unincorporated Pierce County fireworks can be set off:

• July 1-3, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• July 4, between 10 a.m. and midnight.
• July 5, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Many Pierce County cities have more strict restrictions on the use of fireworks. Fireworks are totally banned in some cities like Tacoma, Steilacoom, and at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Other cities, like Bonney Lake and Sumner, restrict firework use to just the 4th of July, and even more have laws restricting fireworks to just a few days around the holiday.

Because of the increased fire danger this summer, many Pierce County police and fire departments are urging residents to hold off on fireworks this holiday, even in communities where fireworks are legal.

Related: Firework Sales Begin In Washington