I really do love living in West Richland. Been here since 1998 and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the Tri-Cities area.
But for a few days each year, I can’t stand West Richland. It’s during the few days before and after July 4th. If not for the fact that I fear our house being burned down, I’d get out of town for Independence Day. I’d really prefer to not have to deal with the insane noise, the kids being unable to sleep, the dog going crazy with fear, the smoke, the constant sound of fire trucks and all the other hassles.
West Richland has historically had the most lenient fireworks rules in the area, from what I understand. In addition to locals doing their own thing, people come into West Richland from other areas so they can play with explosives for hours on end (usually after a BBQ and beer at home — ain’t America grand? Drink beer then go play with explosives!).
The city changed some of the fireworks laws this year, mainly reducing the days and times that fireworks are allowed to be used. From what I understand, they didn’t change what types of fireworks are allowed … or, if they did, then we need much better enforcement. Because just a few houses away from us, the neighbors were putting on a professional-grade fireworks show.
Seriously, that’s insane. When amateurs can shoot off pro-level fireworks at home, who needs to go down to the Columbia River for the big “River of Fire” event? There’s no difference.
We had to deal with this, maybe 100 yards from our front door, from about 8:30 pm to midnight.
End of rant/complaint. Here’s hoping the West Richland City Council sees the light and eliminates fireworks altogether inside city limits.
2 Comments
I am the one at the bottom of the hill that put on a show for all to enjoy. Aprox. 400 people were close enough for us to see and many more out of site. I will have you know, none of the fireworks we set off are professional, yet it is set up and fired by a licensed pyro tech. I am afraid your out #ed sir. We voted out the prudes who sought to take our right away. By the way this is put on by 2 vets. One including myself the other my son, which is a combat veteran celebrating the freedom he fought for you. He is also the pyro tech. I do understand that there are idiots who are not safe, but if you watched our show, preferably from across the way, you would see the safety precautions are abundant.
Thanks for the comment, Randy. Glad to know your fireworks are put on by people who know what they’re doing. Wish the same could be said all over, but I doubt that’s the case.