Plans uncertain for fireworks vendors

MOSES LAKE — Fireworks stands in Moses Lake are on track to become extinct after this year, leading some of those stands to move farther out of the area than they had previously planned.

Majority city council members have cited safety as their main reason to ban the sale and discharge of the multi-colored and high-flying devices beginning next year, drawing both ardent support and criticism from opposing sides. Their action follows similar moves by a number of other cities in eastern Washington, including Kennewick, Pasco and Othello. Other cities like Ephrata, Wenatchee and Richland currently allow the devices on a restricted basis.

"My number one concern is the health and safety issues," Mayor Ron Covey said this week of his support of the ban. That support, he said, takes priority over any other factor with the proposal.

Moses Lake currently allows fireworks sales for one week surrounding the holiday, and allows the lighting of the devices solely on July 4. The council initially voted 6-1 in favor of a ban earlier this month, and a final decision is expected when members again take up the subject May 9.

Critics have raised concerns about funding for nonprofit groups which rely on fireworks stand profits. Jack Hughes is the owner of Oroville-based Discount Firework which owns 44 stands in the Northwest, three of which are operated by nonprofit groups in Moses Lake.

Hughes' stands had been poised to move to unincorporated areas of Grant County when the ban took effect. But Hughes said those groups may have to look at other options after hearing about the fireworks sales ban in unincorporated Grant County.

The ban on sales in Grant County is nothing new. Fire Marshall David Nelson has been with Grant County for 10 years, and said the county has never allowed sales during that time. Nelson said the county's discharge regulations follow the state statutes allowing "safe and sane" fireworks, except in a few designated no fireworks areas.

Grant County Commissioner Richard Stevens said he was unaware of the county ban on sales, but said there have been no talks considering changing the overall county regulations.

Hughes is awaiting a final decision by the city council. He said his three stands will likely move to cities where the fireworks are allowed, but is unsure if groups will want to travel to Ephrata or Soap Lake to sell them.

"If they want to do it, they'll get first shot at it," Hughes said.

Hughes said those groups earned a total of $15,000 in commission from three city stands last year. He feels there is a demand for the explosive devices.

"If they didn't like fireworks in Moses Lake, the people wouldn't be buying them," Hughes said.

Covey has previously said while the ban may not be a popular one, he believes the city should take the necessary action to ban the devices before someone is seriously injured or killed. A ban on sales in Grant County doesn't change that position.

"That really has no bearing on my decision because, the less fireworks that go off, the less chance there is of injury," Covey said.

A final decision is expected May 9, but would not impact Fourth of July celebrations this year.