VANCOUVER, WA (KPTV) -
Major changes could be made to fireworks sales in Vancouver next year if a proposed ordinance passes Monday night.
After a public hearing, the Vancouver City Council is expected to decide whether to ban certain types of fireworks. If passed, the ordinance would make fireworks that shoot into the air and fly more than 15 feet across the ground illegal. Essentially, only so-called "safe and sane" fireworks would be allowed.
Community groups that depend on fireworks sales each year to raise money for sports teams, leadership groups, and veterans are very concerned about how the ordinance would impact sales, if it passes.
Currently fireworks like Roman candles and aerial spinners are allowed in Vancouver, but they're banned in Portland.
One man told FOX 12 his group has raised more than $50,000 over the past three years to help local veterans.
"There was a lot of suggestions and my hope is they'll actually take a little bit more time on this. There were a lot of suggestions that seemed reasonable. One of the ones I heard over and over again is put it to a public vote, and that doesn't seem unreasonable at all," said Tracy Phillips of A Hero Was Here.
If passed, the ordinance would take effect in 2013 and only affect sales inside Vancouver city limits.
Monday's public hearing begins at 7 p.m. inside Vancouver City Hall.
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