Orange : Council Votes Hearing on Barring Fireworks

Fire Chief Martel Thompson asked the City Council on Tuesday to impose a citywide ban on all fireworks, except for displays by licensed technicians, prompting the five-member body to schedule a public hearing.

Despite disagreement over such a ban, the five-member council unanimously scheduled the hearing for Sept. 22.

Thompson asked for a ban on the sale and use of all fireworks, including the so-called “safe and sane” variety, except for public displays by professionals.

Several members expressed concern that such a ban would lead to increased use of illegal fireworks, while others argued that fireworks are the heart of traditional July 4th celebrations and would be difficult, if not impossible, to replace.

Councilman Don Smith said that a ban would contribute to what he called “a decline in patriotism.”

Mike Koval, president of the Orange Jaycees, was among several leaders of local groups to complain that a ban on the now-legal fireworks would deprive them of a valuable fund-raising tool.

But the fire chief cited the chronic damage caused by fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday and contended that any loss in sales revenue would be insignificant.

Council members agreed to wait until after the public hearing to determine whether the issue would be decided by a council vote or a citywide election.