Fireworks in Medical Lake must be banned

The Fourth of a July was very bad for many in Medical Lake. I live on the east end of Campbell Street, which dead ends into a nature preserve area that is full of trees, highly combustible brush and pine needles.

Many people discharged fireworks here on the street right in front of three apartment complexes, which have a lot of seniors and folks dealing with disabilities including some with mental issues. The fireworks went nonstop for several hours — well past the 11 p.m. deadline.

I got up at around 2:30 a.m. to open my windows and a big gusher of terrible sulphur smell came in which lingered for a long time. I still heard some fireworks. There were also fireworks being discharged in Medical Lake all over town before the Fourth of July since they are sold from July 1-4.

The day after (July 5) I talked with one of our senior citizens. Where he lives there were fireworks sparks floating through the air and whatever substance they were emitting was so bad he could hardly breathe. Our citizens deserve better treatment than this.

I earnestly appeal for a total ban on private fireworks. I’ve heard there is a state law that if a ban is put on fireworks that it can’t go into effect until one year after the law is passed. Why are fireworks so protected? Most laws can become effective in much shorter time periods.

Is there a law that says municipalities can refuse to issue permits for the sale of fireworks even though they can’t forbid their use? If they were not sold there would be a lot less people using them and also folks from out of Medical Lake who could care less about the welfare of our town wouldn’t come here to buy and discharge them here.

If anyone wishes to express an opinion about private fireworks please come to the City Council meeting at City Hall in Medical Lake 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 18.

Thomas E. Durst

Medical Lake