Redmond city councilors hear range of public opinions about possible fireworks ban
(Update: adding video, community members are split)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) --The Redmond City Council heard a variety of public opinions Tuesday evening on whether to ban the private use of fireworks within the city limits, much as Bend did three years ago.
Redmond Mayor, Ed Fitch says there’s a reason why the council is addressing the idea of a fireworks ban now.
“So we're bringing up the fireworks ban at this time because, what happens is, contracts to sell fireworks starts in January," he said. "So to do it after January, is not fair to those people who have made orders for fireworks.”
The council took up the idea of implementing a citywide ban on fireworks, citing concerns over public safety, fire hazards, and noise complaints.
A number of community members spoke out both for and against such a ban.
Jack Bennis said, “250 years, and we have a fire or two. And granted, we went through a horrific fire season in the state of Oregon, but it wasn't legal fireworks doing it.”
Trevor Johnson said, “So I'm in support of a complete ban on fireworks. I support a complete ban. you know, I think it's the right thing to do. You know, we can talk about liberties and all that we want, but at the end of the day, it's public safety that's at risk.”
The council also heard from the city’s public officials, including Police Chief Devin Lewis.
“We responded to fire assist calls on July 3rd, 4th and 5th," Lewis said. "From what we could tell from what was reported to us, of those eight, four or five were started by legal fireworks or, like it's been talked about, the improper disposal of legal fireworks whenever it goes to the house, as in the two houses that unfortunately burned.”
Mayor Fitch said they're going to take in all of the public comments and make a decision, but one of the biggest suggestions coming from the community is the idea of a public vote on the matter.
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 considering whether further restrictions are needed, to ensure community safety, and would like to hear from the public.
Any decision regarding whether to 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.
“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,” Fitch said. “We need to balance the desire to celebrate with being responsible stewards of our high desert environment and understanding its vulnerability to wildland fires.”
Residents are encouraged to provide input any time 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.
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.
