Redmond City Council to hold emergency meeting Tuesday on possible fireworks ban Ahead of 4th of July
Tracee Tuesday
REDMOND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Earlier this year, the Redmond City Council discussed a city-wide ban on the usage of 4th of July fireworks. Back then, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch said, he wasn’t comfortable discussing a ban because organizations had already begun the process of purchasing their permits.
Fast forward, just days before the 4th of July, City Council scheduled a special meeting on Tuesday, to discuss a city-wide ban on 4th of July fireworks.
Attached to the City Council agenda were letters submitted to Council Members expressing their concern, especially after a recent blaze in Dry Canyon, which continues to heighten anxiety about dry conditions.
Jillian Jeppsen, who is a parent and one of the organizers for TNT fireworks, said this special meeting is devastating to the organization.
“The timing is horrible. While I understand the city wanting to keep our city safe, and we’re all for that, but to have this emergency meeting three days before the 4th of July… we’re in the middle of our sales! It really puts us in a hard place, and as an organization, potentially really being in the red because we’ve shelled out all this money, so it’s a huge financial burden for us.”
Jeppsen also pointed out that the profits from the sale of fireworks go back to Redmond programs like the Junior Raven Travel Ball Club.
But Marty, a Redmond resident, wants to put safety first.
“I really support going to the fairgrounds and watching the fireworks show, and I think that maybe selling fireworks isn’t best for our community. With all the problems with the fires and everything, I just wanted to be safe.”
Travis Leeman, who is operating the Discount Fireworks Store, said the sales actually help to uplift the Redmond community by sending many Oregon kids to church camps, through New Seasons Ministries.
“It’s also disappointing to us here at the Fireworks Store, that the City Council is dropping this on us at the last minute. We’ve already paid the city for licensing and permits, and things that also benefit the community, and most people don’t realize that.”
Meanwhile, local officials urge anyone planning to use fireworks to take precautions, keep a water source nearby, clear debris from launch areas, and never relight duds.
They also strongly suggest attending a public display as a safer alternative.
If you’d like to keep this Redmond 4th of July tradition alive, there is a way to send a message directly to Redmond City Council, the TNT location, sign the petition.
Also, the Discount Fireworks Superstore, has a QR Code you can scan.