Emotional fireworks debate divides West Richland – and its council
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Council was divided in a 4-2 vote regarding firework restrictions.
- The council rejected a proposal that would have imposed heavier fireworks restrictions.
- No changes were made to current fireworks policies, and the topic will return later.
After more than two hours of debate and emotional testimony from residents, West Richland council members struggled to find common ground on a proposal that would have reduced the number of days fireworks could be sold and used.
Citizens in the area shared emotional anecdotes about their fear of fire and destruction during the July 4 holiday, while others expressed their devotedness to celebrate in traditional manners.
This was city’s second meeting on the topic.
The proposal, which wouldn’t have taken effect until 2027, suggested cutting back days for selling and shooting off fireworks, but would not have changed which fireworks are legal in the city.
The council was considering a proposal to reduce firework use to a single day and limiting sales to three days. Under current ordinances, residents can set off fireworks on three days and buy them over a nine-day period around the Fourth of July holiday.
Council members debated several amendments that would have further adjusted the dates for fireworks sales and use before, finally, the proposal ultimately failed in a 4-2 vote.
The decision leaves current regulations unchanged, despite pressure from neighboring cities Richland, Pasco and Kennewick to put more limits on aerial fireworks.
Council member Kate Moran and Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom voted in favor of some changes, but members Ken Stoker, John Smart, David Fetto and David Cole voted against the final amended proposal.
“This is not a ban,” Moran said before the vote,“We are changing the dates and also the rules of when can have them sold in West Richland. I believe it is a privilege not a right. If your rights affect me, that is a problem.”
This topic has been debated in previous long, contentious meetings, with some residents expressing doubts, fears and rights regarding fireworks. Tuesday night’s session proved to be no different.
“I think it’s a very privileged take to assume everyone has good neighbors who are responsible,” West Richland resident Jessica Baie said. “To assume everyone lives in a cozy, friendly neighborhood where behaviors aren’t drunks shooting off fireworks.”
Others who spoke argued that restrictions on fireworks would do little to keep matters safe.
“The fires right now are not caused by fireworks. If you ban it now, the only ones that will being doing it are the ones that are already doing it illegally,” said Teresa Carson.
As a result of Tuesday’s vote, the rules can’t be changed for next year but the city could revisit the issue to take effect in 2028.