Taking the lead from state and Kitsap County emergency fire ordinances, the Port Orchard City Council voted May 24 to have the option to ban the sale and use of fireworks, if it sees a need during dry summer conditions.

City staff members reviewed Port Orchard’s municipal code 5.60 Fireworks ordinance prior to the meeting and recommended a provision that will allow the city to prohibit the discharge of fireworks during extreme fire danger conditions. With city council passage, the new code takes effect next year.

Gov. Jay Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency in June 2015 that was generated by an unusually dry and warmer than usual winter and spring. The governor also issued emergency burn bans throughout Washington.

Because current state law dictates that any new regulation must undergo a one-year waiting period before taking effect, it has caused concern among state cities last year.

Kitsap County commissioners also approved a similar ordinance at its meeting on May 23.

Individuals who violate an emergency ban can receive a misdemeanor charge.