Allowing fireworks could work

For residents of Rock Springs, it’s so regular they can practically set their watches to it.

Almost every year, someone shooting fireworks on White Mountain will catch the brush on fire, which results in an orange glow visible for miles. It spreads across a section of the mountain and leaves behind a large burned spot once the fire is extinguished. It’s been a common occurrence for decades now.

In Green River, we’re fortunate not to have had a massive wild land fire resulting from fireworks, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Last night, the members of the Green River City Council announced they are interested in revisiting the city’s fireworks ordinance and plan to host a workshop session to discuss it. While we’re more apt to side with how things are already, with fireworks being banned within city limits, we also realize the ordinance doesn’t typically stop a lot of people from lighting fireworks in their backyards anyway.

While we urge the city to consider any change to the ordinance very carefully, we believe it could be modified to allow certain, low-risk types of fireworks, to be used within the city. Items like mortar shells, bottle rockets and those spinning wheels which spread sparks every which way while launching themselves should remain banned in Green River as they’re too dangerous within a residential setting. One mistake in their use could cause a neighbor’s tree, boat, lawn, or house to be set ablaze. While we know many would argue that proper usage of those items can ensure safety, their proper usage doesn’t completely mitigate the risk of a mishap. We’re not even going to mention all the potential problems that come with roman candles being used in city limits.

A set of permissible fireworks, such as sparklers, small firecrackers, snakes and similar fireworks could work as long as they’re strictly used on a paved surface away from flammable brushes and grass. An ordinance that could allow fireworks use within city limits could be feasible, but only if the Green River Police Department would strictly enforce it. We realize not everyone can be caught, but citing those straying outside the definitions of the ordinance allowing fireworks usage would not only keep everyone else safe, but show the city is serious about keeping the potential fire risk down.

We think an ordinance allowing some fireworks could work in Green River, but it would have strictly enforced to lower the risk of seeing the area around Castle Rock or the FMC Park developing that familiar orange glow.