FULLERTON : Council to Consider Fireworks Measure

The City Council today will consider whether to place on the ballot a measure that would ban the sale and use of fireworks.

It would be the second time Fullerton has considered a fireworks ban. In October, the council voted 3 to 2 against the idea, despite the Fire Department’s recommendation.

Councilwoman Molly McClanahan, who along with Councilman Don Bankhead voted for the ban on so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, said she is not certain how she will vote this time.

“I think some decisions should be made by the City Council,” McClanahan said. “I don’t think we should run to the voters every time a decision has to be made. That’s what we’re here for.”

Mayor A.B. (Buck) Catlin and council members Chris Norby and Richard C. Ackerman previously voted not to ban fireworks.

Catlin, who will be attending his first council meeting since his June 20 body-surfing accident, said he is undecided on the issue. Although he was impressed by the city’s fireworks show last month--intended to discourage private use of fireworks--”I also want to emphasize the need to be careful about destroying tradition.”

Ackerman, who opposes any fireworks ban, said, “All I know is that no one has been circulating a petition, and there doesn’t appear to be a public outcry calling for the banning of fireworks.”

In October, Fire Chief Ron Coleman warned the council that people from neighboring cities that outlaw fireworks increasingly were coming to Fullerton to use them. As a result, Coleman said the dangers have increased dramatically.

In addition to Coleman’s recommendations, two Orange County grand juries also have urged Fullerton to ban fireworks.

Currently, “safe and sane” fireworks are banned in the unincorporated county area and in 23 Orange County cities.