Will this Pierce County city ban fireworks? They’re asking voters
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Milton voters decide Nov. 4 on advisory ban of sale, purchase and use of fireworks
- Outcome is advisory; council will use results to consider modifying city fireworks law
- Supporters cite safety, pollution and trauma; opponents cite tradition, funding
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Milton residents have an important choice on Nov. 4: Should fireworks be allowed?
According to the Pierce County Voters’ Pamphlet, Milton’s general election will include a ballot measure that would ban the sale, purchase and use of consumer fireworks within Milton’s city limits.
The city council voted to put the measure on the ballot on Feb. 18 of this year and submitted it on June 26. It is an advisory measure, meaning the outcome of the election won’t have a direct impact on the city’s laws, but will allow citizens to tell the council where they stand.
“The outcome of this advisory vote will provide input to the Milton City Council in its decision-making process to evaluate whether to modify the City’s existing law, which currently allows the sale, purchase and use of consumer fireworks in the city limits of City of Milton,” the voter’s guide says.
Edgewood banned fireworks last year, but did so without an advisory vote.
A “Yes” vote on the measure means the voter supports banning fireworks in Milton city limits. A “No” vote means the voter does not support banning fireworks.
‘Vibrant joy is wonderful until it causes harm’
Proponents argue that banning fireworks will decrease “injuries, fires, pollution and litter.”
“The sound of bombs and guns is traumatic for many neighbors, including veterans. The bangs, booms, and whistles of fireworks cause anxiety for our pets and wildlife. The barrage of noise disrupts life for working people, ill people, babies and children, and elderly people,” Milton Neighbors for Peaceful Holidays, the committee in support of the measure, wrote in the voter’s guide.
MNFPH said it is possible to celebrate important holidays without negative impacts from fireworks.
“Traditions that matter are neighborly and respectful relationships in a community that cares for its members. Vibrant joy is wonderful until it causes harm,” MNFPH wrote. “Our Constitution and laws are meant to protect us from harm, not allow us to inflict it.”
‘We won’t let our heritage fade’
Bruce White, a resident who is running to be Milton’s next mayor, is a member of the committee against banning fireworks. In the voter’s guide, White wrote that a “no” vote on this ballot measure would allow the voter to “stand up for freedom, tradition and our community.”
“This blanket ban threatens our right to celebrate the 4th of July with the vibrant joy of fireworks, a tradition rooted in our nation’s founding,” White wrote. “... Let’s send a clear message to city leaders: we won’t let our heritage fade.”
White wrote that allowing fireworks to stay legal would benefit Milton’s nonprofits “through sales [and] funding key programs.
“Fireworks’ brief noise may disturb veterans, pets, and wildlife, and cause temporary air pollution and litter. These manageable impacts can be addressed by enforcing existing laws, promoting safe, low-noise options, and guiding pet owners on calming techniques,” White wrote.
He told The News Tribune it cost the city about $2,000 to put the measure on the ballot.
‘I believe voters, not just the city council, should decide.’
Steve Whitaker, White’s opponent in the mayoral race, said he sees the value in both sides of the argument.
“Fireworks have been a hot topic in Milton for quite a few years. I believe voters, not just the city council should decide. I loved fireworks as a kid and still enjoy them now, but I understand concerns about noise, fire risks, injuries, and sensitivity of some pets,” Whitaker wrote in an email to The News Tribune. “If the ban passes, I’d support and encourage a city-sponsored 4th of July fireworks show to bring us together safely.”
This story was originally published October 1, 2025 at 12:45 PM.
