On Jan. 27, the Eugene City Council held a work session, addressing fireworks in Eugene as their second order of business.

Lieutenant from the Eugene Police Department Scott Fellman and Fire Marshall Al Gerard addressed the council about the issues within the community regarding fireworks like health and safety of pets and people including veterans. According to Feldman, the people who usually light illegal fireworks “aren’t criminals.” Gerard said the main problem with use of illegal fireworks is the “incorrect usage.”

According to Fellman, July 4 2013, dispatch received about 340 calls about fireworks and about 247 complaints.

“Last year we had a house that was lost,” Gerard said.

A number of solutions were discussed by the council including an increase in fines, increased enforcement, use of technology, a limitation of days in which fireworks would be allowed and an outright ban were all brought up by different council members at various points of the work session.

City Council member Mike Clark said the problems with fireworks “is a matter of enforcement.” Clark voiced his doubt for the helpfulness of an out-and-out ban and said, “we need a better plan.” Clark emphasized his desire for the use of technology, calling on the example of red light camera as a technological solution to an existing enforcement problem. Clark also expressed a desire for instituting a higher fine.

Many members echoed Clark’s desire for instituting a alterations in fines including members George Poling, Claire Syrett, Greg Evans, Betty Taylor and Chris Pryor. In Evan’s opinion, if fines are increased “word will get out real fast.”

“The higher the fine the better the deterrent,” Evans said.