East Wenatchee City Council Approves July 4th Fireworks Ban

The use, purchase, sale and possession of fireworks are now banned at all times in the City of East Wenatchee except for non-aerials during New Year's after the city council voted 5-2 to approve the measure Tuesday night.

The new ordinance essentially extends the city's existing fireworks ban to include non-aerial fireworks during the 4th of July. A ban on non-aerials at all times except for July 4th and New Year's was already in place, as was a complete year-round ban on all aerials.

Council Member Christine Johnson opposed the new ordinance, which was the same as a previously voted-down measure but with the addition of language to help police enforce the city's fireworks code.

"I feel as if the action was taken simply to have a do-over of the vote." stated Johnson, "I feel that that is a really poor reflection on this council."

The council voted 3-4 against two different bans in March. A motion to ban all fireworks except for non-aerials on New Year's failed first, followed by a motion for a full year-round ban, which also failed. Position 4 Council Member Sasha Sleiman said last week that she would have been the deciding 'yea' vote on the partial ban had the vote for the full ban, which she supports, come up first.

An amendment to cut the new fireworks ban from the measure and just leave the improved enforcement language failed 4-3 Tuesday night. A change to the code in 2016 has meant police have not been able to cite people for violating the city's fireworks laws.

Mayor Jerrilea Crawford said that the whole process, which has included several votes, discussions, workshops and a lot of public comment, was at times a painful challenge.

"I highly respect our council, each and every one of you, because you're passionate." Crawford said, "You care enough to bring your issues forward, be honest in your dialogue, connect with the community and I think every one of you have done this through this exercise."

Non-aerial fireworks include ground-based forms of entertainment like fountains and sparklers.