Fireworks restrictions make sense

Presently Clallam County has no restrictions on the possession and use of fireworks.

The adoption of the draft ordinance would bring the county into compliance with state code generally, and promote safety and peace for residents specifically.

We reside just outside the Sequim city limits in an area that is mainly inhabited by the elderly. Each Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, we are blasted with all manner of outrageously loud and annoying fireworks without regard to the hour, especially during the nighttime. Pets are terrified, residents are unable to sleep and we have to clean up the detritus from our streets and yards.

Fireworks that ”blow up or go up” are illegal in Washington state, except those that are purchased and used only on specified tribal reservations. Bottle rockets, mortar shells and similar fireworks are extremely dangerous and easily ignite dry brush and grass. This area has parcels that are undeveloped and overgrown and are susceptible to fire from flaming pyrotechnics.

The Clallam County Sheriff does not have sufficient manpower to regulate the unincorporated areas in the county to ensure compliance with state code.

Those that wish to celebrate the Fourth with fireworks can do so sanely at a permitted public display without annoying their neighbors. Adoption of the ordinance as drafted would subdue the illegal use of fireworks and promote safety and security for county residents.

Michael Albrich

Sequim