Milton chief seeks to shift fireworks enforcement to police after advisory vote favored a ban
March 10, 2026 | Milton, Pierce County, Washington
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Chief Hernandez told the Milton City Council at its March 9 study session that an advisory ballot held on Nov. 4, 2025 showed voter preference for prohibiting consumer fireworks, and that the city later adopted amendments to Milton Municipal Code chapter 8.04.
Hernandez said the advisory vote returned a majority favoring prohibition: King County precinct returns were described as 265 yes to 143 no (about 64%–35%) and Pierce County returns as 791 yes to 695 no (about 53%–46%), producing an overall advisory majority of about 55% in favor of a ban. Councilors were given the full code text in the packet for review.
Hernandez said the fire department has limited staffing and operational priorities that make routine enforcement of fireworks violations difficult. He explained that fireworks enforcement typically involves complaint response and potential seizure of prohibited items and that these duties "align more closely with the responsibilities and capabilities of the Milton Police Department." The proposed amendment to section 8.0406 would designate the Milton Police Department or its duly authorized representative as the enforcing authority for chapter 8.04.
Council members raised jurisdictional questions about a nearby lake and shoreline rules, noting some parcels extend into the lake and that tribal trust property may permit fireworks activity regardless of city code. Hernandez acknowledged that tribal trust lands can present exceptions and said fireworks calls would be triaged so life-safety incidents receive priority; on high-volume nights the department would prioritize immediate life-safety responses and limit routine fireworks dispatches.
On resources, Hernandez said the police department "will do our best" to handle enforcement but that the amendment is intended to ensure there is an enforcing authority; he characterized the discussion as preparatory, saying the item will return for action. Hernandez also stated the ordinance already passed and "will not go into effect until 1 year from now," noting that it will not affect the coming July and that it would apply in July 2027.
The mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
Hernandez said the advisory vote returned a majority favoring prohibition: King County precinct returns were described as 265 yes to 143 no (about 64%–35%) and Pierce County returns as 791 yes to 695 no (about 53%–46%), producing an overall advisory majority of about 55% in favor of a ban. Councilors were given the full code text in the packet for review.
Hernandez said the fire department has limited staffing and operational priorities that make routine enforcement of fireworks violations difficult. He explained that fireworks enforcement typically involves complaint response and potential seizure of prohibited items and that these duties "align more closely with the responsibilities and capabilities of the Milton Police Department." The proposed amendment to section 8.0406 would designate the Milton Police Department or its duly authorized representative as the enforcing authority for chapter 8.04.
Council members raised jurisdictional questions about a nearby lake and shoreline rules, noting some parcels extend into the lake and that tribal trust property may permit fireworks activity regardless of city code. Hernandez acknowledged that tribal trust lands can present exceptions and said fireworks calls would be triaged so life-safety incidents receive priority; on high-volume nights the department would prioritize immediate life-safety responses and limit routine fireworks dispatches.
On resources, Hernandez said the police department "will do our best" to handle enforcement but that the amendment is intended to ensure there is an enforcing authority; he characterized the discussion as preparatory, saying the item will return for action. Hernandez also stated the ordinance already passed and "will not go into effect until 1 year from now," noting that it will not affect the coming July and that it would apply in July 2027.
The mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
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