HomeMy WebLinkAbout042326 email Proposed Fireworks BanALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Commissioners Brotherton, Dudley-Nollette, and Eisenhour,
I ask that you delay your decision to enact an all-county ban on the private use of fireworks until a more robust period of public input informs your decision.
While I understand that there are theoretical concerns about wildlife risk associated with the use of fireworks, I believe a reasoned approach would serve us well.
Please avoid a scorched-earth (pun intended) policy that bans all fireworks in Jefferson County, as this is arbitrary and capricious. The risk of wildfires and structure fires is not
homogeneous throughout the county, and we can come up with a more nuanced policy.
Rather, ban fireworks in densely populated areas, e.g. the City of Port Townsend, and allow fireworks when deployed over bodies of water, e.g. Quilcene Bay, Dabob Bay, Hood Canal, Puget
Sound, Discovery Bay and Sequim Bay, to name a few. While there are no zero-risks, the deployment over bodies of water lowers the risk of fire to one easily acceptable by society and
our fire departments.
The display of fireworks over Quilcene Bay is a heritage activity. Like prohibition, this proposed social experiment will not achieve the desired result.
Is dispatching the two or three Jefferson County Sheriffs Department’s deputies to chase after citizens practicing a cherished tradition how you want to allocate vital resources? Or
should these deputies be on the road guarding against speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving or driving under the influence?
Please consider allowing the use of fireworks in Jefferson County when deployed over specified bodies of water during specified times (July 3rd to July 5th) and December 30th to January
1st). And begin the seasonal burn ban on July 6th.
I am please to meet with any of you in person to further explore this issue.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my opinion.
Bob Palmer
360.531.2525
bobpalmermd@gmail.com <mailto:bobpalmermd@gmail.com>
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