Consumer Fireworks Ban

My Fellow Citizens:

Today the Waldport City Council instituted a complete and total ban on the setting off or sale of fireworks within the city limits of Waldport except by public commercial display. The city/chamber show on July 3rd is still on.

Violation of this ordinance can amount to a $1000 fine. We are taking this measure as our water supply is already on its secondary source, which means it's at the worst level in the past thirty years. We might not have an adequate supply of water to fight a wildfire if it were to start in Waldport.

I have asked that the County Commissioners immediately do the same in adjacent County areas to Waldport such as Bayshore. I would ask you please contact them and ask them to do the same. County Commissioners email:

Kaety Jacobson is kjacobson@co.lincoln.or.us ;

Doug Hunt is dhunt@co.lincoln.or.us ;

Claire Hall is cehall@co.lincoln.or.us ;

(541) 265-4100 is their Phone Number.

A moment of "innocent fun" could lead to a complete tragedy. We will be asking law enforcement to enforce this ordinance. Please cooperate and let's make sure we get through this drought period safe and sound.

Thank you.

Greg Holland

Mayor of Waldport

FAQ:

Is this permenant?

No. Right now, it is for the remainder of 2021 - the most dangerous period of fire season is historically August and September with our warm eastern winds and dry conditions. This action was not taken lightly; we had historically low precipitation in April and May - there is a real danger of catastrophic fire earlier this year however. It is the worst anyone here has seen it.

But it's raining?

Yes, as of June 14th, we have gotten several days of rain for which we are grateful. We however need a MONTH OF HEAVY rains. Our stream levels are low, our ability to quickly make water is diminished. The entire western US is in a drought, and things could get much worse before they get better. We are already drawing up plans which will prohibit watering and other water use as the summer goes on.

You are taking away my freedom?!

We get it. This has been a year where collectively America has been asked to sacrifice small personal activities for the greater good. We are with you - we want that to be done too... and it's not for any lack of love for our country. From the City Manager to the Public Works Director to most of our Public Works crew, we are veterans. We have served and sacrificed for our country.

Please help us now make these small sacrifices to ensure that we will have a safe community this summer. We'll have the big show, and we know that some will ignore us. We are not doing what we want to do, but what we think is right - in what could be an incredible dangerous summer. Last September the skies were dark at noon, and fire evacuated all of north county. One errant firework, one dropped sparkler, one smoldering fountain could mean the loss of our entire community.

Help us get through this summer. One last small sacrifice - your beer will still be as cold, your BBQ will still be as warm, your friends will still not be as funny as they think they are. Please enjoy this summer together, something we wished for all last year. But enjoy it safety. Help keep all of us safe.