MEDICAL LAKE — The Medical Lake City Council is weighing permanent restrictions on fireworks after a Fourth of July ban failed to prevent dangerous celebrations that ignited seven fires across the city.
Medical Lake has historically been one of the few places in Spokane County where residents could legally set off fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. This year, fire danger prompted Fire District 3 to ban them entirely. The majority of people who live in the city said they’d like to keep fireworks in a vote last year, but the city is concerned about safety risks.
“The public spoke loudly in the advisory vote, but their actions spoke loudly on the Fourth of July, where they left our decision makers feeling that safety was not a chief concern to our citizens,” city administrator Sonny Weathers said.
The council is examining several options, including stricter regulations on what fireworks can be sold, when they can be purchased and what penalties violators should face. They are also considering banning them altogether. Weathers said city leaders are focused on safety, especially after devastating wildfires like the Gray Fire three years ago.
The city council was originally scheduled to have a preliminary discussion about new restrictions at its meeting this week, but officials postponed the session to allow more time for preparation. Once that discussion takes place, the council could move on to drafting a formal ordinance.
Not all residents support stricter regulations. Philip Roberts, who lives in Medical Lake, said he can see both sides of the issue. He would prefer to see fireworks displays left to professionals, but he also understands why people want to set them off.
“There’s certainly danger involved. And yet, it looks like to me, they’re gonna do it regardless,” Roberts said.
Roberts said the city’s rules have been confusing, and he’s concerned leaders aren’t listening to voters.
“If you put it out there for a vote, and the people say ‘Yes, we like it,’ it seems like the vote isn’t taken seriously,” Roberts said.
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