06/04/2008: "Council Bans Safe & Sane Fireworks"

With only limited public comment, the County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to ban the use of all fireworks in San Juan County, except for those used by professionals in controlled and licensed displays.

The council held a public hearing on changes to the existing code that had been introduced for consideration prior to the public hearing on Tuesday, and the vote after the hearing removed the provision in the existing code that allowed the limited use of so-called “safe and sane” fireworks (such as sparklers), and inserted new language that prohibits any use of fireworks, and provides for a fine if they are used.

Council Candidate Daniel Miller told the council they should hold the public hearings after 5 pm so working families with children could testify. He also expressed his concern that it seemed the council would like to restrict the freedom of celebrating the 4th of July to lawn parties and picnics; and pointed out the irony of removing a freedom used to express a celebration of freedom.

Long time residents George Steed and Greg Hertel expressed their belief that the ban was in reaction to a problem that did not exist, both pointed out that the concern for public safety in the county was not supported by the record of incidents, and Hertel said if safe activities are the concern, the Council should could ban commercial fireworks displays, since the history of San Juan county indicates a poor record in that area.

Hertel suggested that if the Council is concerned about hazards they could also ban scuba diving, “we lose a diver or two every year it seems, but I don’t hear that being proposed.”

Both Hertel and Steed were supportive of the personal use of fireworks as a learning experience for young people, and as a part of growing up in American that has been a tradition for decades. Hertel said he was there to support “gunpowder and small boys everywhere.”

Hertel said that not only was he against the ban, he would prefer they expand the times when fireworks could be used, so that they could be use at wintertime for New Years celebrations when the fire danger is less.

Local attorney Christopher Hodgkin spoke in favor of the changes, citing his personal experience of having to listen to “loud bangs” on the 4th of July, and watching the negative reaction by household pets and wildlife that were confused and terrified by the noise.

But in the end it was the testimony from the fire chiefs and the sheriff who convinced the council to support the changes to the Ordinance;.with only Councilman Rich Peterson showing some reluctance in supporting it, but in the end he too joined in to make the vote unanimous