1/19/24

ZOOM link for the Public Hearing

The Agenda for the January 23rd Public Hearing on the proposed changes to the IC Fireworks code was published on the BOCC website today. Below is the ZOOM link to join the meeting, on January 23rd at 10:00 am; it might be necessary to copy the link address and paste it into your browser to open the ZOOM meeting link:

"Meetings are available remotely. Those interested in attending the meetings by computer, tablet, or smartphone may use the this link- (right-click and open in a new window) or by telephone: 1-253-215-8782 Conference ID 055763"

The first 5-10 minutes of the meeting will be devoted to the Consent Agenda - then the Public Hearing will start. If anyone is interested in car pooling to the BOCC meeting please meet up at Jupiter Coffee in Freeland no later than 9:15 am.

1/2/24

The Public Hearing is scheduled for 10:00am on January 23rd. You can attend in person or by zoom.

Click HERE to get the directions on both. It is essential that the Island County Commissioners hear from more people that are interested in banning personal fireworks (especially those in Janet St. Clair's district!).

Here is some background on the issue and some talking points for you to use on January 23rd.

For the past 18 months, Safe and Humane Fireworks, a grass roots organization on Whidbey Island, has been advocating for a ban on the sale and use of personal fireworks in Island County. We have lobbied the BOCC, the fire commissioners for all three districts, the sheriff, the veteran's organizations, along with many non-profit partners and businesses. There is wide support for a personal fireworks ban, most importantly, we have the support of the fire commissioners for South Whidbey and the District 1 Commissioner, Melanie Bacon. The science and data is clear: in this age of climate change, fireworks create a dangerous wildfire risk; and the availability of powerful bomb-like fireworks traumatize domestic and wild animals, pose a health risk to humans, and pollute the air and water.

In response, the BOCC has nibbled around the edges of this urgent issue by proposing to ban aerial mortars and reduce the number of days of legal usage from 4 to 3. These proposed changes have gone through code review and are due to be presented at a public hearing on January 23, 2024. While we applaud any action on this issue, these changes are insignificant and unlikely to be enforced. Fireworks are already banned in County Parks, but Fourth of July firework's tourists were out in full force again this year for their days'-long fireworks celebrations with deputies standing by, not taking action. 

While we continue to work for a full ban on personal fireworks, we'd like to encourage you to make a statement at the public hearing on January 23. Here are some suggested talking points: 

  1. Significantly increase penalties for fireworks violations—the current maximum penalty of $250 is not a deterrent for someone who is willing to spend thousands of dollars on fireworks.
  2. Reduce the hours for fireworks to July 4th ONLY between noon and 11 PM.
  3. The sheriff must enforce the existing ban in all county parks and beaches; this step alone would go a long way toward a more hospitable and healthy environment since many of the large fireworks are detonated at Double Bluff, Maxwelton, Robinson Beach and Mutiny Bay.
  4. Speak to our values, and make it clear that the values we want instilled in the upcoming 2025 Comprehensive Plan include protection of our critical areas and wildlife from wildfire risk and the pollution/health risks associated with personal fireworks.

Due to the level of support on the south end of Whidbey Island, we are researching a public vote on the ballot in 2024 on the sale and use of consumer fireworks within the jurisdiction of the South Whidbey Fire District. So, we add a fifth talking point:

We want a public vote on banning the sale and use of consumer fireworks in the jurisdiction of the South Whidbey Fire Department on the ballot in 2024.

12/15/23

A few of our members spoke at the Dec 12 BOCC meeting in anticipation for the Dec 13 work session discussion on firework code changes. If you want to listen to the public comment, you can find the recording at the beginning of the meeting here. On Dec 13th, the commissioner's voted to move the code changes (below) to a public hearing that will take place in late January. If you want to listen to the dialogue on these code changes, you can find it at the 21 minute mark here.

Here are the proposed changes:

Fireworks-code-changes-121323Download

12/6/23

Your Voice is Needed NOW!

On Wednesday Dec 13, the County Commissioners will hold a discussion on proposed revisions to the Fireworks code to ban mortar fireworks in Island County and reduce permitted fireworks days to 2 days from 3. (This is the rescheduled meeting from November 8.)

Public Comment is not allowed verbally at work sessions, so we’d like to get as many voices as possible to speak out against personal fireworks at the regular BOCC meeting the day before the work session on December 12, 2023 at 10:00am. There is a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting and participants are allowed up to 3 minutes to state concerns on any topic. This is a good opportunity to make your statement in support of banning private displays of fireworks where you live if you value human health and safety, animals, and the environment. A good showing here may influence the Commissioner’s work session discussion the next day.

Click HERE for instructions on how to participate. If you have already written or spoken at a meeting, THANK YOU. It helps to do it again!

If you are not able to attend in person or by video, you can still submit comments in writing in advance of the meeting to: CommentBOCC@islandcountywa.gov

There will be a discussion at the worksession as to what actually constitutes a “mortar”. We need to make it clear that the current war zone atmosphere is not welcome regardless of the legal definition of a mortar. The commissioners have NOT GONE FAR ENOUGH; we need to hold them to their word and also make it clear that we are still advocating for a ban on all private fireworks.

If you need to borrow some talking points, Safe and Humane Firework’s positions are as follows:

1) BOCC must follow through on the promised code changes that eliminate fireworks on July 5 and make mortars illegal.

2) Push for the additional elimination of July 3, making personal fireworks legal only on July 4. (As a short term ask)
3) Advocate for enforcement of the existing Island County Code with regard to:

Days and hours fireworks are allowed
Existing prohibition on illegal fireworks
Existing ban in all Island County Parks

Enforcement was clearly a BIG FAIL in 2023. Anecdotally, fireworks were just as bad, if not worse, than prior years.

4) Advocate for a South Whidbey Ban on all personal fireworks

5) Advocate for a ban of the sale of fireworks in Island County

6) Make it clear that the values we want instilled in the upcoming 2025 Comprehensive Plan include protection of our critical areas and wildlife from wildfire risk and the pollution/health risks associated with personal fireworks.

Your passionate private opinion is also welcome! For supporting information on these topics, please see our website: www.islandcountyfireworks.com

Thank you for your help!

Safe and Humane Fireworks Steering Com

and use of consumer fireworks in the jurisdiction of the South Whidbey Fire Department on the ballot in 2024.

New Online petition!

If you want to add your name to our list of supporters for submission to the Board of Island County Commissioners, please click here!

PLEASE NOTE: if you have already signed a paper copy at a farmer's market or locations around the south end, there is no need to sign again! If you previously signed the change.org petition, please sign this online petition as well. Thank you for your support!

October 17, 2023

A Fireworks discussion is on the BOCC work-session meeting agenda for November 8, 2023. Public Comment is not allowed verbally at work sessions, however, you can submit comments in writing in advance of the meeting to: CommentBOCC@islandcountywa.gov

You can also make public comments at the November 7, 2023 BOCC meeting on any topic. This is a good opportunity to make your statement in support of banning private displays of fireworks where you live and where you value human health and safety, animals, and the environment. See the post below (Aug 6) for Safe and Humane's position on the issue.

Aug 6, 2023

Safe and Humane Fireworks re-grouped for a strategy session after the holiday. Our highest priorities are:

1) Follow through to conclusion the code changes proposed by the commissioners to eliminate July 5 and make mortars illegal. Push for the additional elimination of July 3.

2) Advocate for enforcement of the existing Island County Code with regard to:

    Days and hours fireworks are allowed
    Existing prohibition on illegal fireworks
    Existing ban in all Island County Parks

3) Promote a South Whidbey Ban on all personal fireworks

July 6, 2023

Despite our efforts, July 4 2023 turned out to be as bad, if not worse than previous years. The signs that the county put up in select park locations were torn down by the time the holiday rolled around. Safe and Humane Fireworks posted 40 signs in and around County Parks and when our volunteers went to collect them, they had been removed. One of our outstanding requests of the county is that they put up permanent metal signage in the parks where fireworks (of any type) are already NEVER allowed.

The commissioner's made it abundantly clear that enforcement was an issue. This was underscored by one of the many stories we received from people:

At Goss Lake, the fireworks started on June 30th and revved up until July 4th at its peak (so 5 days) The same or worse from prior years. Didn’t hear fireworks on July 5th, so that was improvement—may have been due to the calendar. My son was at Maxwelton on the 4th and said a sheriff was there. And that he stayed a few hours. During that time, people did sparklers and small-type fireworks. After the sheriff left, he noticed that they changed to big and illegal fireworks.

Having a sheriff tolerate any fireworks at a location where fireworks are illegal, is equivalent to an endorsement.

Another Whidbey Island resident shared that she had to stay up until 1:00am on July 4th out of concern that her trees would catch fire. She shared this video:

Other Island residents had this to say:

"The fireworks started on the 2nd of July, 2023 through the 5th and at night at 11pm on the 6th."

"I live on Henning Drive in Madrona and directly behind me every year has lots of company on the holiday and they set off these fireworks that go directly up and on my roof and in my yard, driveway etc.. Last year I called the police and they didn’t come."

"He shoots off the really loud ones and I believe they are illegal. My pets freak out and I cannot handle the noise it makes me jump with each boom. This neighbor has been asked nicely by me to not shoot them in my direction but it didn’t do any good. I am tired of it and dread every 4th of July."

"Large amount of fireworks set off on Breezy Point road last night 10:15-10:25. 7/8/2023"

"I constantly go out and wet down my roof snd trees as a precaution. My pets all have to be given sedatives for a couple weeks in July. My granddaughter cannot be at my home during July due to the overwhelming booms. They scare her so badly."

If you have photos, video, or a summary you can share about your holiday experience, please send to info@islandcountyfireworks.com

New Online petition!

If you want to add your name to our list of supporters for submission to the Board of Island County Commissioners, please click here!

PLEASE NOTE: if you have already signed a paper copy at a farmer's market or locations around the south end, there is no need to sign again! If you previously signed the change.org petition, please sign this online petition as well. Thank you for your support!

October 17, 2023

A Fireworks discussion is on the BOCC work-session meeting agenda for November 8, 2023. Public Comment is not allowed verbally at work sessions, however, you can submit comments in writing in advance of the meeting to: CommentBOCC@islandcountywa.gov

You can also make public comments at the November 7, 2023 BOCC meeting on any topic. This is a good opportunity to make your statement in support of banning private displays of fireworks where you live and where you value human health and safety, animals, and the environment. See the post below (Aug 6) for Safe and Humane's position on the issue.

Aug 6, 2023

Safe and Humane Fireworks re-grouped for a strategy session after the holiday. Our highest priorities are:

1) Follow through to conclusion the code changes proposed by the commissioners to eliminate July 5 and make mortars illegal. Push for the additional elimination of July 3.

2) Advocate for enforcement of the existing Island County Code with regard to:

    Days and hours fireworks are allowed
    Existing prohibition on illegal fireworks
    Existing ban in all Island County Parks

3) Promote a South Whidbey Ban on all personal fireworks

July 6, 2023

Despite our efforts, July 4 2023 turned out to be as bad, if not worse than previous years. The signs that the county put up in select park locations were torn down by the time the holiday rolled around. Safe and Humane Fireworks posted 40 signs in and around County Parks and when our volunteers went to collect them, they had been removed. One of our outstanding requests of the county is that they put up permanent metal signage in the parks where fireworks (of any type) are already NEVER allowed.

The commissioner's made it abundantly clear that enforcement was an issue. This was underscored by one of the many stories we received from people:

At Goss Lake, the fireworks started on June 30th and revved up until July 4th at its peak (so 5 days) The same or worse from prior years. Didn’t hear fireworks on July 5th, so that was improvement—may have been due to the calendar. My son was at Maxwelton on the 4th and said a sheriff was there. And that he stayed a few hours. During that time, people did sparklers and small-type fireworks. After the sheriff left, he noticed that they changed to big and illegal fireworks.

Having a sheriff tolerate any fireworks at a location where fireworks are illegal, is equivalent to an endorsement.

Another Whidbey Island resident shared that she had to stay up until 1:00am on July 4th out of concern that her trees would catch fire. She shared this video:

Other Island residents had this to say:

"The fireworks started on the 2nd of July, 2023 through the 5th and at night at 11pm on the 6th."

"I live on Henning Drive in Madrona and directly behind me every year has lots of company on the holiday and they set off these fireworks that go directly up and on my roof and in my yard, driveway etc.. Last year I called the police and they didn’t come."

"He shoots off the really loud ones and I believe they are illegal. My pets freak out and I cannot handle the noise it makes me jump with each boom. This neighbor has been asked nicely by me to not shoot them in my direction but it didn’t do any good. I am tired of it and dread every 4th of July."

"Large amount of fireworks set off on Breezy Point road last night 10:15-10:25. 7/8/2023"

"I constantly go out and wet down my roof snd trees as a precaution. My pets all have to be given sedatives for a couple weeks in July. My granddaughter cannot be at my home during July due to the overwhelming booms. They scare her so badly."

If you have photos, video, or a summary you can share about your holiday experience, please send to info@islandcountyfireworks.com

New Online petition!

If you want to add your name to our list of supporters for submission to the Board of Island County Commissioners, please click here!

PLEASE NOTE: if you have already signed a paper copy at a farmer's market or locations around the south end, there is no need to sign again! If you previously signed the change.org petition, please sign this online petition as well. Thank you for your support!

October 17, 2023

A Fireworks discussion is on the BOCC work-session meeting agenda for November 8, 2023. Public Comment is not allowed verbally at work sessions, however, you can submit comments in writing in advance of the meeting to: CommentBOCC@islandcountywa.gov

You can also make public comments at the November 7, 2023 BOCC meeting on any topic. This is a good opportunity to make your statement in support of banning private displays of fireworks where you live and where you value human health and safety, animals, and the environment. See the post below (Aug 6) for Safe and Humane's position on the issue.

Aug 6, 2023

Safe and Humane Fireworks re-grouped for a strategy session after the holiday. Our highest priorities are:

1) Follow through to conclusion the code changes proposed by the commissioners to eliminate July 5 and make mortars illegal. Push for the additional elimination of July 3.

2) Advocate for enforcement of the existing Island County Code with regard to:

    Days and hours fireworks are allowed
    Existing prohibition on illegal fireworks
    Existing ban in all Island County Parks

3) Promote a South Whidbey Ban on all personal fireworks

July 6, 2023

Despite our efforts, July 4 2023 turned out to be as bad, if not worse than previous years. The signs that the county put up in select park locations were torn down by the time the holiday rolled around. Safe and Humane Fireworks posted 40 signs in and around County Parks and when our volunteers went to collect them, they had been removed. One of our outstanding requests of the county is that they put up permanent metal signage in the parks where fireworks (of any type) are already NEVER allowed.

The commissioner's made it abundantly clear that enforcement was an issue. This was underscored by one of the many stories we received from people:

At Goss Lake, the fireworks started on June 30th and revved up until July 4th at its peak (so 5 days) The same or worse from prior years. Didn’t hear fireworks on July 5th, so that was improvement—may have been due to the calendar. My son was at Maxwelton on the 4th and said a sheriff was there. And that he stayed a few hours. During that time, people did sparklers and small-type fireworks. After the sheriff left, he noticed that they changed to big and illegal fireworks.

Having a sheriff tolerate any fireworks at a location where fireworks are illegal, is equivalent to an endorsement.

Another Whidbey Island resident shared that she had to stay up until 1:00am on July 4th out of concern that her trees would catch fire. She shared this video:

Other Island residents had this to say:

"The fireworks started on the 2nd of July, 2023 through the 5th and at night at 11pm on the 6th."

"I live on Henning Drive in Madrona and directly behind me every year has lots of company on the holiday and they set off these fireworks that go directly up and on my roof and in my yard, driveway etc.. Last year I called the police and they didn’t come."

"He shoots off the really loud ones and I believe they are illegal. My pets freak out and I cannot handle the noise it makes me jump with each boom. This neighbor has been asked nicely by me to not shoot them in my direction but it didn’t do any good. I am tired of it and dread every 4th of July."

"Large amount of fireworks set off on Breezy Point road last night 10:15-10:25. 7/8/2023"

"I constantly go out and wet down my roof snd trees as a precaution. My pets all have to be given sedatives for a couple weeks in July. My granddaughter cannot be at my home during July due to the overwhelming booms. They scare her so badly."

If you have photos, video, or a summary you can share about your holiday experience, please send to info@islandcountyfireworks.com

CALL TO ACTION: Eyes on July 3, 4 & 5!

S&H Fireworks is posting signs (pictured below) at county parks and other strategic locations reminding folks that fireworks are not allowed per existing code. It is imperative that people report violations to the sheriff so that the data exists to support enforcement staffing and future discussions of fireworks bans. Please take photos and video if possible and safe. Do NOT confront violators. You can call the following numbers to report violators:

360 679 7310 #2 (Island County Sheriff)- forwards to incident dispatch

360 679 9567 (ICOM non-emergency number)-forwards to incident dispatch

911 for life threatening emergencies

EAGLES: To report harm or disturbance of an eagle's nest call U.S Dept of Fish and Wildlife:

Submit a law enforcement tip online or call us using the FWS TIPs line at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477)

To see an enforcement letter from Fish and Wildlife sent to a Whidbey citizen last year, click here.

Wildfire danger at an all time high in PNW. Read here. Nonetheless, our Sheriff declared a Type 1 Burn ban, which specifically exempts recreational fires on property with owner's permission and unfortunately allows consumer fireworks.

READ the S&H Fireworks response to the May 10 meeting here:

Safe-and-Humane-May-10-BOCC-Work-Session-Response-FINAL-5-15-23Download

May 10, 2023: Fireworks Discussed with Sheriff Felici at the work session of the Island County Commissioners. You can listen to the recording here. The discussion focused largely on enforcement of existing Island County Code that bans fireworks in all County Parks (see code here). Actions were taken to develop communications and enforcement plans. Safe and Humane Fireworks is currently working on a response to the discussion to send to the Commissioners.

Safe and Humane Fireworks hosted a Town Hall Meeting on April 11th at 7:00pm at the Freeland Hall, County Commissioner Bacon also spoke on her views on banning fireworks and we heard from many citizens on both sides of the issue. You can view the slide deck here.

South Whidbey Record "Fireworks Ban May go to Ballot" to read click here.

Does S&H support taking proposed ban to a public vote? What about a South Whidbey Ban?

  • Our research indicates that policy matters of public health and safety should NOT be up for a general vote. According to the Island County website, the BOCC are charged with overseeing county operations; financial and budgetary matters; and the adoption of laws that regulate county growth, health, safety and welfare of its citizens.
  • Our objective is to eliminate the risk of wildfire and the threat to public health and safety for all of unincorporated island county (which is the relevant jurisdiction for the BOCC). If the commissioners cannot agree that all of our citizens should be protected, then we would support a South Whidbey ban as an incremental step.

Read the "Sound Off" by Melanie Bacon from the April 7th Edition of the South Whidbey Record- here

On Saturday, April 1st, Camano Island Democrats held an in-person meeting at the Camano library with presentations by members of the Safe and Humane fireworks committee as well as District 1 Commissioner Melanie Bacon. The session was very informative with 33 attendees and a post evaluation rating of 9.5 out of 10 with 100% of the respondents said they “Would recommend this meeting to a friend”. The presentation was very well received:

"Excellent presentation by Whidbey representations and Melanie Bacon. Comprehensive and fact-based." "Panel presented a good variety of info" "Excellent data, excellent questions raised and discussed."

Safe and Humane fireworks representatives attended the March 13th Camano Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners meeting and had a successful dialogue. An action was taken to convene all the county fire chiefs and their Boards as well as the Sheriff to discuss further.

Please speak up on behalf of Safe and Humane Fireworks! Attend one of the weekly Commissioner's meetings and help make the case for banning personal fireworks. The meetings are every Tuesday at 10:00am. Instructions on how to attend the meetings are here.

South Whidbey Record Story on Safe & Humane Fireworks Safe and Humane Fireworks efforts captured by the South Whidbey Record! Read it here.

Island County ranks third, per capita, in the State for fireworks related incidents reported to the State Fire Marshal's office.

Commissioner Bacon Introduces Ban

Commissioner Bacon introduced the topic of a Fireworks ban at the December 14th, 2022 work session of the Island County Commissioners. Since that time, members of Safe and Humane fireworks met with Commissioner Bacon to discuss how we can garner support for a ban based on environmental and public safety concerns, as well as to give her feedback on her proposed DRAFT resolution.

From her newsletter on the topic:

"Fireworks have become a very contentious topic in my district, and I expect we will hear a lot of passionate arguments from a lot of people over the coming months on this issue. I encourage you to contact your commissioners if you have thoughts on this—and if your organization would like to hear a presentation about the proposed resolution, let me know and we will make those arrangements with you. There will be a lot of outreach and at least one public hearing on this before anything is voted on by the Board. You can see the DRAFT resolution and code change here: https://bit.ly/3HhCqJP

GREAT NEWS!

The South Whidbey Fire Commissioners unanimously approved resolution 2022-23 supporting the ban of personal fireworks in unincorporated Island County. See the resolution below. This is a big step in our campaign and speaks to the concern our public officials have regarding the future safety of our Islands with increasing drought conditions. Thank you, Commissioners!

Change.org petition tops 1200 signatures!

WEAN Supports Ban! See more in the testimonial section.

City of Langley Supports Ban! The city of Langley passed resolution 828 in support of a ban of personal fireworks in unincorporated Island County- See resolution below.