City passes fireworks ban

Fireworks will be prohibited in Grand Coulee without a permit after an ordinance passed last week takes effect next year.

The city council passed a new fireworks ordinance May 17, banning fireworks without a permit.

The ordinance does not go into effect for a year, City Clerk Carol Boyce said.

The new ordinance prohibits the sale and use of fireworks in the city except for limited purposes or in specific locations authorized by a city-issued permit for a public display after review by local fire officials.

The exception is North Dam Park, where people will be able to set off fireworks on July 4, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. without a permit. The ordinance also allows for New Year’s fireworks after 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 until 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.

The ordinance states that local fire officials may restrict or prohibit possession, use and/or discharge of consumer fireworks at North Dam Park or other designated areas at any time due to weather conditions, including extremely low humidity, wind, heat, lightning or other dangerous fire conditions.

The top of North Dam has been used by those who want to set off fireworks for many years, and people will still be able to do so under this ordinance.

The land at North Dam Park is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and managed by the Coulee Area Park and Recreation District.

District President Bob Valen said the district had not been contacted by the city regarding the ordinance.