My husband and I are full time residents of Long Beach. I’m writing this letter to the editor because I’m concerned for our city and our peninsula. We love our coast, the ocean, the hiking trails, the wildlife and the people.

We are looking forward to voting for a ban on fireworks.

Last year, July 4, 2022, we were sitting inside because the rockets and bombs made outside impossible. Our windows were closed due to noxious fireworks fumes. We saw something on fire float over our front porch. This “on-fire” item turned out to be a sky lantern, which are illegal in Washington. We witnessed at least 20 more sailing east on the breeze, over our homes, and the flammable dune grasses and pine trees, skimming the tops of some, leaving sparks floating down.

My husband ran out to try and get the thing off the porch roof, while I called 911. It took several calls to get a response. Finally, a police officer arrived and told us that we only have a volunteer fire department in the City of Long Beach, and they were stretched to the limit. He recommended that we “hose off” our unreachable two-story roof. When I requested that perhaps the fire department could come and use one of their trucks, and big hose, he said again how short staffed and stretched thin the fire department was. Not having the “means” to handle the dangers is another reason for having a ban.

The 4th of July has become a stressful, traumatic holiday for residents as well as our police and fire departments. I think a lot of us feel disrespected by the visitors that seem to have no regard for the people that live here, our veterans, our pets and wildlife, and our beautiful peninsula. I feel also, that many people avoid coming here due to our current reckless, crazy display.

The way it stands, we could lose everything, and no one is listening.

Do the right thing and vote “Yes” for a ban on fireworks.

SUSAN ROSSELLI

Long Beach