Law protects groups that benefit from sale

By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

Those who thrill to sights and sounds of fireworks each July need not worry - they'll be able to enjoy a "safe and sane" celebration again this year.

For a time, it was thought the city of Enumclaw would be acting upon a recommendation by fire officials to prohibit the sale and discharge of fireworks for the remainder of 2005. Both the King County Fire Chiefs Association and the King County Fire Commissioners Association unanimously voted to request that all cities impose the ban. The request was due to "the extreme drought conditions and ultra high fire danger" that had been projected for the region, according to a letter issued by the fire chiefs.

Enumclaw Mayor John Wise indicated the city administration would act on that recommendation and a draft ordinance was prepared.

However, those plans were scrapped when it was discovered state law might conflict with the proposed action. According to City Administrator Mark Bauer, the Revised Code of Washington says government must give 12 months notice before changing the rules, to protect non-profit groups who sell fireworks as a fund raiser. Also, there has been thought that dry weather conditions might not be as dire as was originally expected, Bauer added.

The end result is that nothing has changed. Fireworks will still be legally sold within the city limits, and can be discharged on designated days. Certain fireworks have always been illegal in the city and those prohibitions remain.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.