Redmond city councilors consider banning private use of fireworks, seek public input
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Next Tuesday evening, the Redmond City Council seeks public testimony on whether to ban the private use of fireworks within Redmond's city limits.
In the past, temporary fireworks bans have occurred when the risk of wildfires was high. However, after one of the most prolific and dangerous fire seasons in history, councilors are now considering whether further restrictions are needed, to ensure community safety, and would like to hear from the public.
Councilors will not be taking action at this meeting. Any decision to ban or not ban the private use of fireworks is expected to be made at the December 10 council meeting.
Permitted uses, such as the annual July 4th fireworks show at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, would not be impacted by this action.
Residents are encouraged to provide input anytime between November 12 and December 10. Testimony can be done in person or submitted via email to publictestimony@redmondoregon.gov. The comment period will extend until at least Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
“Each summer, we hear concerns over the use of fireworks in our community. These are heightened by the prolonged drought we have been experiencing as well as the increased number of fires occurring around the region,” states Mayor Ed Fitch. “We need to balance the desire to celebrate with being responsible stewards of our high desert environment and understanding its vulnerability to wildland fires.”
Redmond City Council Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are hosted in the City Council Chambers, 411 SW 9th Street in Redmond. They are streamed live at www.redmondoregon.gov/CityCouncilLive and are also broadcast live on COTV 11 – TDS Channel 11 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
For questions on how to provide comment or additional information, please contact the City Recorder's office at 541-923-7751.
