Illegal fireworks laws can be enforced
Yes, we can successfully enforce existing fireworks laws to help prevent wildfires, lessen veterans' PTSD stress levels and relieve the "war zone" weeks around the July 4 holiday for both humans and pets. Illegal fireworks include anything that flies higher than 10 feet from the ground and/or explodes. Even possessing such items is a crime. What will it take to accomplish this goal?
First, a grassroots effort by the citizens of Kootenai County to communicate to elected officials the desire to stop all illegal fireworks activity every day, including July 4.
Second, elected officials will have to identify goals and give money to law enforcement. Law enforcement officials will have to develop strategies, allocate resources and adopt a zero-tolerance policy.
Third, local prosecuting attorneys will have to be willing to impose significant fines and recommend one night in jail for anyone convicted of possessing or igniting illegal fireworks.
Fourth, a widespread media campaign to educate the public about the new enforcement policies. An effective educational blitz, including the possibility of charging persons with the cost to put out any wildfires, hefty fines and a night in jail could possibly result in a 90% reduction of illegal activity. This leaves much less of a problem for the police to address.
It will take money, resources and resolve to reach this goal — a goal I believe is shared by the vast majority of Kootenai County residents. The Camp Fire in 2018 resulted in more than $16 billion worth of damage. Do you agree a penny of prevention is worth a dollar of cure? Call your elected officials today. You can be an important part of the solution.
Kootenai County Commissioners — 208-446-1600
Bill Brooks
Chris Fillios
Leslie Duncan
Steve Widmyer — Coeur d'Alene Mayor — 208-769-2300
Coeur d'Alene City Council — 208-769-2300
Dan Gookin
Woody McEvers
Kiki Miller
Amy Evans
Christie Wood
Dan English
Sheriff Bob Norris — 208-446-1300
Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White — 208-769-2320
Incoming Post Fall Police Chief Greg McLean — 208-773-3517
Ron Jacobson — Post Falls Mayor — 208-773-3511
Post Falls City Council — 208-773-3511
Linda Wilhelm
Kerri Thorson
Alan Wolfe
Joe Malloy
Steve Anthony
Lynn Borders
Barry McHugh — County Prosecutor — 208-446-1800
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John D. Williams is a resident of Coeur d'Alene.