The first reading of the ordinance to ban fireworks use in Washington was approved by the city council. The use ban was approved 5-1 with Steve Gault as the lone nay vote.

Councilor Elaine Moore said why she supports banning the use of fireworks and then made the motion to approve the first reading, “The majority of the people that contacted us want it banned. And I feel as a council we need to listen to those people, because we’re representing people, the people of the city. And that is their cry, is we need to ban them.” She added that she’d like to see fines increased. Currently, violating the code is a simple misdemeanor with a fine of $65 to $625.

The ordinance will need three total readings approved before going on the books. The council will consider the second reading at their next meeting.