Over the past several years, I have learned that city leaders hear complaints from residents more often around the 4th of July than any other time of year. That’s why I want to provide some background about Marysville’s fireworks ban and how it came about.

Every year we receive literally hundreds of fireworks complaints about noise at all hours and potential danger to others, especially children and pets. Every year, fireworks seriously injure people; in 2016, Marysville Fire responded to calls for medical assistance to people who were seriously burned on the face, head or body.

In each of the past four years, Marysville Police responded to 200-300 fireworks calls around the July 4 holiday. Fireworks also cause significant property damage and create excess litter for city crews.

The city fielded so many citizen complaints over time that we placed an advisory vote on the November 2015 ballot. It asked, “Should the Marysville City Council prohibit the possession, sale and discharge of fireworks within the city limits of Marysville?”

Just over 10,000 Marysville voters weighed in, with 59 percent voting in favor and 41 percent voting against. The City Council responded by passing a law to ban fireworks in 2016 with that law taking effect in 2017.

Under this law, it is illegal to use, sell, trade or discharge fireworks in Marysville. This includes all types of fireworks, including consumer fireworks sold to the public as well as display and dangerous fireworks. There is an exception for authorized public displays, or use permitted and authorized by the Marysville Fire marshal.

Penalties for breaking the law include confiscation of fireworks and a minimum fine of $103 this year. Fines will increase in 2018 and 2019.

We understand that family traditions are special, and this change is difficult for some. Yet with this ban, Marysville is joining many other local communities who have banned fireworks.

We urge you to celebrate this 4th of July safely. If you still wish to use fireworks, there are areas outside of city limits that are more conducive to such use and where it is legally allowed. You might also consider leaving the fireworks to the professionals; there are multiple public fireworks shows in Snohomish County that you could attend. For a map and information visit www.marysvillefiredistrict.org/fireworks/.

Jon Nehring is the mayor of Marysville. His column runs monthly.