I have sent a letter to my Eugene city councilor, Randy Groves. I also sent a copy of it to Gov. Tina Kotek. I truly believe it is time that we, the citizens of Oregon, should recognize the changing climate, the increased risk for wildfires and the rise in explosive fires that burn towns and cities, destroying lives and wildlife. It is time to implement a COMPLETE ban statewide on the sale and use of ALL fireworks with the exception of permitted city formal displays. Possession and use should be a felony and strictly enforced. 

For the sake of all of the beauty and specialness that is the state of Oregon, we have got to do this. We cannot stop lightning strikes, acts of arson or general stupidity, but we can stop the sale and use of incendiary devices that cause fires.

This is what I wrote to Groves and Kotek:

Reading about the fire on Fox Hollow Road from an apparent firework ignition, it is obvious the ban citywide is not effective. I think this council needs to appeal to the governor for consideration of an outright ban on the sale and the lighting of ANY fireworks throughout the state with felony charges for possession and lighting said fireworks, with exceptions only granted to the formal displays by individual cities.

It is time, with the ever-present climate changes, the rise of explosive fires, not to mention the harm to wildlife and veterans, that this destructive behavior be stopped completely. 

I recognize you are a city councilor, but I believe that with the backing of the mayor and City Council, an appeal to our governor would carry weight. I also believe many other city councils would follow if approached.

Deborah Killian
Eugene