Firefighters propose fireworks ban for all of Snohomish County

EVERETT -- Snohomish County District 1 Fire officials proposed a fireworks ban to the County Council Wednesday, saying repeated use of fireworks has led to the destruction of more than $3 million in property in the past 10 years.

Firefighters are concerned they are in for a busy year with extremely dry conditions.

Deputy Fire Chief John Westfall said, "It does raise our concerns, not only with the holiday coming up but for a very long and hot, fiery summer."

There is a lot at stake. Several families and organizations make a lot of money in fundraising efforts from fireworks stands. Neighbors are also split on the proposed ban.

Richard Lapinski said, "Sometimes people don’t use good sense. I used to be in the insurance business and they do cause fires."

Michael Cain doesn't like the idea.

"People are adults," Cain said. "Adult supervision. Watch your kids. Be careful. Use some common sense. We don’t need to regulate everything."

The Snohomish County Council will review the resolution.

A ban wouldn't take effect until a year after the council passes it.