Snohomish County councilman proposes fireworks ban

Snohomish County Councilman Mike Cooper. Photo from the Snohomish County website.

Snohomish County Councilman Mike Cooper, who represents Lynnwood on the Council, has proposed a fireworks ban for unincorporated Snohomish County.

Cooper, a retired professional firefighter, says it’s time to stop the property loss and injuries from fireworks. “I cannot stand by and watch as people continue to lose their homes or get injured from fireworks,” Cooper said. “In 2009 eight fires resulted in $4.27 million property loss, the highest in our county’s history. That is unacceptable.”

If approved, the County would join the cities of Edmonds, Everett, Mountlake Terrace, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Gold Bar and Woodway in banning fireworks. Under state law it would not take effect until 2011.

Lynnwood allows fireworks within the city limits only on July 4.

  1. they better not ban fireworks in Lynnwood. They shouldn't be banned at all. Why don't they take my freedom away too while they're at it. A legal firework is just as dangerous as an illegal firework. I and others, should not be punished with a ban on our lighting fireworks just because other morons don't know how to use them. If they wanna hold them in their hands or made them themselves… the loss of their finger or whatever should be a lesson for them. But, just cause they screw up, doesn't mean that you should punish everyone else.

  2. I understand about the freedom – I especially dislike individuals and families being saved from themselves. So, I agree with the comment about the loss of fingers. However, the fireworks situation is people directly affecting other people. It seems that the fireworks used on private properties are not like they were when I was a kid (60's/early 70's). They've gotten a lot larger and louder. And, to go along with it, people seems to be less smart. Gone are the days where families in a neighborhood got together in a cul-de-sac to do enjoy a modest set of fireworks that came in a packet. Now, nearly everyone has his own private professional-style display. Livestock and wildlife – the reasons many of us are living in the more rural areas of Snohomish County – are terrorized; pets go missing. And those of us who have some sense are obligated to spend part of July 4th at our homes to keep an eye on them. Last year, it was tinder dry at this time south of Stanwood, and we returned to the new house we purchased to find the neighborhood littered with the remnants of fireworks from neighbors – no regard (clueless) for the conditions. It's to a point where it's not fun anymore.

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