Eugene City Councilors will consider a ban on the use, and eventual sale of fireworks in parts of the city to mitigate wildfire risk in the South Hills.
Councilor Matt Keating made the motion following a presentation on wildfire preparedness. The South Hills area was identified in the presentation as high risk for wildfires. Eugene-Springfield Deputy Fire Marshal Mark Dahl said this is because of its classification as a Wildland Urban Interface. He said that while the Eugene metro-area is a mix of low to moderate risk for wildfires, the South Hills are a different story.
“[High risk] areas are mainly found at the urban fringe where urban development meets forest land the area...known as a “WUI,” or Wildland Urban Interface and is a defined zone of transition located between wilderness and land development. These areas have an abundance of vegetation or another way to put it, fuel load, steep slopes and limited access of egress routes the area,” Dahl said.
The motion passed unanimously, 6-0 with only six councilors present. The motion directs the city manager and staff to create an ordinance that would ban the use of fireworks South of 18th Avenue, or East of Agate Street this year, then ban their sale in 2022. Both bans would end in 2023. A public hearing is scheduled for June 21.
Copyright 2021 KLCC
