HomeMy WebLinkAbout031626 email - Designated legal fireworks areasALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
A comment was made during the BOCC weekly meeting on 3/16/26 expressing interest in whether there are other communities that have designated specific areas for legal use of consumer
fireworks. I believe the linked article below can speak to that. There are numerous communities that do this.
https://washingtonindependent.org/where-can-you-set-off-fireworks-in-washington-state/
Additionally, considerations regarding discussions to date:
* An outright ban will not stop the people that are already using fireworks illegally. As the saying goes, if you outlaw something, only outlaws will have them.
* Enforceability of an outright ban is not likely to be more possible than current enforcement. Many if not most people will honor the ban, but they're not the ones causing problems.
* Requiring a special use permit which requires insurance for consumer fireworks shows will effectively stop those shows. Insurance for consumer fireworks is difficult to find and costs
exceed $10,000 per event. RCW 70.77.255 states (4) No license or permit is required for the possession or use of consumer fireworks lawfully purchased at retail.
* Drone show alternatives are cost prohibitive for all but larger communities or organizations, ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 or more. Professional Public displays of Fireworks have
a similar cost. Typical South County community contributions have been less than $1,500 for shows costing over $3.000.
* The Port of Port Townsend, nor anyone else, was ever told that the Quilcene shows were insured. This has been transparent since day one. There is no legal requirement for insurance
for consumer fireworks. The Port has the option to change their rule if it feels the need. PoPT Executive Director confirms no insurance is required. See separately forwarded email.
* Consumer fireworks will still be easily procured and transported into the county by those inclined. Transportation is currently legal, even from the reservations for 1.4g consumer
fireworks purchased at retail. I have not found any law stating otherwise.
* 1.3g is commercial fireworks requiring licensure including for purchase, 1.4g is consumer fireworks, 1.4g Pro requires licensure. Terminology is important. The fire officials repeatedly
mis-state this and spread misinformation on this.
* Think about the difference between OTC and Prescription medications. They are not interchangeable no matter how much someone might want them to be. There is no OTC opiate pain reliever
and you don't need a prescription for aspirin, although you can kill yourself with either. The same is true for all professional vs layman designations.
* Setback for the fallout zone is based on mortar diameter: 70 feet setback per inch of mortar diameter. Consumer mortars are typically 1.91 inches in diameter, creating a fallout zone
of 133.7 feet radius, not the 180 to 240 feet as stated by Brian Tracer.
* As much as I value our Fire Departments, the officials consistently misrepresent the laws and terminology. I don't believe they are knowledgeable enough to shape policy, and their
statements require fact-checking.
* Every time I have heard Shelly Yarnell speak or write about fireworks in Quilcene over the last four years she has told verifiable outright lies about me. Caveat emptor.
* I have and will always abide by the actual laws in these regards.
I know this is a passionate subject for many people, both pro and con, and I appreciate the BOCC's measured deliberation on this topic.
I'd be happy to hear your comments on any of this.
Best Regards,
Mitch Rabenold
Quilcene
858-353-9222