East Wenatchee City Council Decides Against General Fireworks Ban, Opts for Emergency Ban Powers for Mayor

Non-aerial fireworks are still legal during the 4th of July and New Year's in East Wenatchee after the council failed to reach a consensus on a ban Tuesday night that would have included fireworks like sparklers and fountains.

The council did however vote to give the mayor the authority to impose an emergency ban off of a fire official's suggestion. The mayor would not be able to institute an emergency ban unilaterally.

A temporary ban would only last for an upcoming holiday period since all fireworks are already prohibited in the city at all other times.

The ordinance also states that the council can override an emergency fireworks ban by the mayor at the next scheduled council meeting.

Staff presented the city council with two options for a ban on non-aerial fireworks. Both proposed ordinances were voted down 3 votes to 4.

Interestingly, Council Member Sasha Sleiman first voted against a partial ban that would have allowed non-aerial fireworks during New Years, leading to its narrow failure, only to propose a full year-long ban of fireworks, which also failed to generate enough votes.

Mayor Jerrilea Crawford said that she will next direct staff to fix some discrepancies in the current fireworks code.