Pasco council hears community frustration over aerial fireworks and enforcement limits

Fire Chief Kevin Crowley and representatives of the police department briefed the Pasco City Council on Monday on the city’s fireworks policy and enforcement challenges, saying aerial fireworks remain illegal and that July 4 and other celebratory events produce a sharp increase in calls for service.

“Even though the ban was in place, people still got fireworks,” the chief said in a historical summary of Pasco’s policy. Staff noted the original blanket ban (1996) was later relaxed in 2018 to allow ‘safe and sane’ consumer fireworks — defined as ground‑based devices — while aerial and explosive devices stayed prohibited.

Why it matters: Council members and residents described repeated instances where officers arrived after violations and could not identify offenders, citing resource limits, competing priority calls and the practical difficulties of prosecuting cases where witnesses are unwilling to participate. One council member said ride‑alongs with officers showed it was “phenomenally hard to catch somebody doing it.”

Enforcement and legal limits: Officers and staff told council that criminal cases are pursued only when evidence and witness statements are sufficient; police noted fewer than a handful of criminal charges are filed each year for fireworks incidents. Staff said prosecutorial and court delays make enforcement less effective and acknowledged a potential 'chilling effect' on witnesses who would later have to testify in court.

Community concerns and options: Multiple public commenters urged stricter action citing impacts on veterans with PTSD, pets, and children. Suggestions from the public and council included using drone imagery with GPS for evidence, creating designated legal fireworks areas or events, tightening noise ordinances, and greater public education about safe alternatives — but staff cautioned that each option has tradeoffs and would require legal review.

Next steps: Council directed staff to continue researching other cities’ approaches to enforcement (including whether non‑officer witness reports or noise‑based enforcement have worked) and to consider education and pilot solutions that balance celebration and neighbor safety. No ordinance change or vote was taken at the workshop.