Council debates sparklers exemption in new fire ordinance; staff consulted fire chief

Council discussed a proposed amendment to a new fire ordinance that would exempt sparklers used by adults or by minors under adult supervision.

One council member proposed the change to avoid criminalizing supervised family uses of sparklers. The sponsor said the amendment would make the ordinance "not apply to sparklers when used or ignited by an adult or a minor under supervision of an adult." City staff and the city attorney confirmed the amendment was drafted in consultation with the fire chief. A council member asked whether the fire chief considered sparklers permissible with adult supervision; a colleague summarized staff input: "He said it'd be fine as long as there's an adult there."

Council requested precise language from the city attorney and confirmation from the fire chief before the evening vote, and asked staff to ensure any dimensional or technical standards (fire pits, devices on decks) are considered so the ordinance’s intent matches practical enforcement.