ORANGE : 3 Types of Fireworks Banned by Council

After a two-hour public hearing, the City Council voted to ban three types of small fireworks but postponed a decision on a complete fireworks prohibition.

Councilman Gene Beyer recommended the ban on sparklers, “ground flowers” and “piccolo petes” based on Fire Department reports that these fireworks were the most hazardous of those allowed by the city. The ban takes effect immediately, but other fireworks will be sold as usual for Fourth of July celebrations.

Mayor Don E. Smith suggested that the question of whether to ban fireworks, which has come before the council several times in the past 20 years, should be decided by voters. Council members Joanne Coontz and Fred L. Barrera agreed.

In the fall, a specially appointed fireworks committee recommended that the City Council ban fireworks rather than place the matter on the ballot.

Some of the 30 residents who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting tried to appeal to the council’s sense of patriotism, citing fireworks as an American tradition.

But most speakers were leaders of local churches, clubs, school and youth groups who said they could not replace the money they raise through the sale of fireworks. Fireworks sales make up 40% to 60% of their budgets for scholarships, charities and youth and sports programs, they said.

The only other Orange County cities allowing the sale of fireworks are Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Buena Park and Westminster. Westminster residents will vote on the issue in June.

The council will discuss a complete ban at a May 22 meeting.