D.C. Council Vote Extinguishes Fireworks Ban

| Print Post This | Like (0) | Comments (1)

THERE WAS A SPARK or two of debate, but, in the end, an emergency measure that would have banned consumer fireworks in the District flamed out during a D.C. Council meeting yesterday.

Although the effort, which would have prohibited all fireworks displays not put on by professionals, was announced with fanfare by Mayor Adrian Fenty and council member Jim Graham last week, it was trounced in the council by an 11-2 vote.

Reports The Post's Nikita Stewart:

[C]ouncil members were wary of approving legislation just a few weeks before vendors are legally allowed to set up their makeshift stands along Georgia Avenue and other thoroughfares.

A few council members said they opposed the outright ban because the city already prohibits the private use of fireworks that shoot into the sky. According to the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Web site, the city permits 10 types of fireworks.

Which fireworks are D.C.-approved? Here's the list from D.C. FEMS:

» Sparklers of 20 inches or less
» Torches
» Box Fire
» Fountains
» Cones
» Dip Sticks
» Non-Poisonous Snakes
» Paper Novelty Items
» Colored Lights
» Paper Caps

» "Fireworks Ban Fizzles In D.C. Council Vote" [WaPo]
» EARLIER: "Fenty Calls for Ban on Consumer Fireworks" [Free Ride/Express]

File photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post