Fireworks put our communities, properties, and animals at risk every year. *Property loss with the potential for serious economic impacts *Death, or serious injuries that can be life changing *Danger, Stress, and Anxiety to our pets, as well as wildlife. *Fear, and a lost sense of security *Trauma to Veterans *Individuals with Asthma, and other breathing related problems

We need restrictive guidelines in place that would mitigate the risk and effects that the use of fireworks pose.  There are bans in neighborhoods, cities, and even counties that have proven effective in reducing property loss, injuries, 911 call volumes, etc.

There are many elderly and others, who lose their sense of security during firework discharge. They are afraid to leave their homes, as the streets are congested and it is likened to a war zone outside. These people are also fearful of a fire on their property or home itself while they're away. There was, in fact, an occurrence last year that took the life of an elderly man and his dog due to a firework fire.

We know firsthand the dangers to animals, as well as the heartbreak and stress to area residents that fireworks bring.  There is a huge impact on local wild life, and domestic animals. Pets run scared, frightened so severely that they will do anything to get away which in turn can cause them injury or death in addition to becoming lost.

We have grossly outgrown the days of sparklers, and firecrackers. Now the norm is to use military grade type fireworks that emulate mortar, tank, and artillery rounds going off. Even everyday firecrackers now sound like automatic weapon fire to a traumatized Veteran. We do not agree that Vets should be subjected to the trauma, and forced to experience situations that remind them of their days on the battlefield.

In addition, the degraded air quality, and associated health risk to animals and humans cannot be avoided by abstinence or staying indoors.  We're forced to breathe the toxic residue of smoke mixed in the air. This especially impacts individuals with asthma, or low oxygen levels.  And the sad part is the residents who do not want to partake in this obnoxious activity aren't given a choice, and are forced to endure the actions of others.

The volume and nature of fireworks noise disrupts sleep patterns for many who do not stay up late, or have to work the following day. This is an issue for many. Why would people be allowed to shoot off fireworks for 5 days in Unincorporated Pierce County anyway? Isn't the actual holiday only on the 4th?  And it doesn't help, that some people refuse to follow the start times and cutoff times. 

Excessive debris left in the wake is a serious problem, as well. The cardboard scraps, and remnants of fireworks litter most properties to some degree, all the while creating a fire hazard.

Let's restore the peace and enjoyment of our individual properties, and homes.. allowing us to actually enjoy Independence Day!