SNOHOMISH — People in Bothell and Snohomish will vote in November whether to join 10 other cities throughout Snohomish County by banning consumer fireworks.
An advisory measure will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot for Bothell and Snohomish voters. The measure is non-binding, meaning any ban will not be enacted solely on the voting results. Instead, the votes will be used to gauge the public’s opinion and aid future discussions among city council members.
As of now, consumer fireworks are only allowed to be discharged on July 4 in both communities. Snohomish recently adopted this rule. Previously, city code permitted the use of fireworks between July 1 and 4. The change will go into effect in July 2017.
Bothell Communications Officer Barbara Ramey said the City Council wanted to hear from the public before making any amendments to the city code.
Every July, both cities field complaints about the noise associated with fireworks. Some argue it’s not worth the show.
Snohomish City Manager Larry Bauman said these complaints prompt a discussion among City Council members almost every year.
Kari Zimmerman, a committee member fighting the ban in Snohomish, submitted a statement for the voter’s pamphlet. She wrote the noise is not a valid reason for a ban. Trains pass through the city frequently, which she said are just as loud as fireworks.
Other concerns regarding fireworks include leftover debris and public safety, including fires and injuries. Snohomish County had the second-highest number of fireworks-related incidents in the state last year, according to the state fire marshal’s office.
There were 55 total injuries and 32 fires caused by fireworks in the county, according to the state’s annual firework-related incident report.
Both committees from Bothell and Snohomish opposing the bans say most folks shoot off fireworks safely. The troublemakers are few.
“This has been a traditional form of Independence Day,” Bauman said. “There’s a historical legacy.”
If a ban is passed in the future, the use of commercial fireworks with a permit still would be allowed. Families and children could continue to attend firework display shows within the cities.
Brier and Marysville voted on a similar advisory measure last year. Due to overwhelming support, the cities approved bans.
If the cities of Bothell or Snohomish decide to pursue bans, the change in city codes would not take effect until July 4, 2018, at the earliest.
The Snohomish City Council was split when deciding whether or not to offer an advisory measure to voters. Four council members voted to pursue an advisory measure. The remaining three wanted to skip the advisory measure and go straight to a ban.
Everett, Edmonds, Gold Bar, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo and Woodway all have chosen to ban consumer fireworks.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
