An ordinance establishing the city’s ability to pass emergency fireworks bans was approved by the Bothell City Council at the April 5 meeting.

The ordinance allows the city manager to enact the ban based on best available science and the projected fire danger level.

Due to state law the ordinance will not come into affect until effect for one year.

During the height of last summer’s devastating fire season when fireworks were banned on state land, local governments without fireworks ban ordinances could not ban the explosives.

State law mandates that even if there is a county or state ban on fireworks, each city must have local ordinances to enforce the bans.

A fireworks advisory ballot will be sent out in November too, asking voters if they would like to see a permanent ban on commercial fireworks in the city.

Based on the advisory ballot the council would take a vote to either enact or drop a proposed ban. The city would also retain the right to issue permits for large fireworks displays.

Given increasing summer temperatures and droughts in the state over the past few years, council members said they thought at least an emergency ban was warranted.

Last summer, wildfires in the state burned more than 1.1 million acres of land, and while the snow pack is greater this year, fire officials worry about higher average temperatures drying out wildland.

While neither ordinance would affect this year’s season, it could provide future peace of mind for area residents.

For more information, see the Reporter’s previous story.