The Island County commissioners may soon have the flexibility they so desired last year to temporarily ban fireworks in times of extreme drought.
House Bill 2348, which would essentially reduce a one-year delay in the implementation of fireworks rule changes to 30 days or less, made it out of committee late last month. Though it still has a long way to go before becoming law, it was the first major hurdle before the legislation; it’s now set to go for vote on the House floor.
Included in a long and bi-partisan list of sponsors are Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, and Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano.
In an interview with The Record Monday, Smith said last year’s extreme weather conditions, and the wildfires that followed, made the need for such a bill exceedingly clear to lawmakers across the state. Cities and counties must have the tools in place to react quickly in times of emergency, she said.
“I think most people agree we should be able to address that threat,” Smith said.
Wildfires in 2015 burned more than 1 million acres, destroyed homes and property, and killed at least three people. More than 1,500 fires were reported between June and September, and some reports have estimated costs of up to $320 million. President Barack Obama declared a federal emergency, and it’s widely believed to be the worst wildfire season in state history.
Though Eastern Washington took the brunt of the fires, Island County was not immune. In July, South Whidbey Fire/EMS battled the largest brushfire in decades. More than 15 acres were scorched along Highway 525 near Double Bluff Road.