Saco’s proposed fireworks ordinance seems to create more problems than it would alleviate.

With a temporary ban set to expire in mid-September, the city council held a hearing on a new proposal this week, which would prohibit the sale of fireworks in the city and prohibit the use of fireworks east of I-95, which encompasses the city’s beaches and downtown area.

The proposal would allow the use of fireworks in areas west of I-95, but a permit would have to be obtained from the fire department. The fire department would use the same criteria for issuing fireworks permits as it does for burn permits.

The fire chief is not in favor of this part of the ordinance, and we agree with his assessment.

Fire Chief John Duross wrote a letter to the council and said the fire department does not want to issue fireworks permits because the system implies that fire damage is limited to natural vegetation. He said in 2009, there was $38 million in property damage throughout the country due to fireworks, and that even when fire danger is low, consumer fireworks can still start fires. He said the heat intensity of fireworks is much higher than that of a cigarette and could easily start a fire in vegetation. He also added there would be a cost to print fireworks permits, while fire permits are supplied to the city by the Maine Forest Service at no cost.

It is also unlikely that residents and visitors would seek out a permit anyway.

Although fireworks have only been legal in the state for about eight months, people have been using them illegally for many years. They have continued to use fireworks illegally in towns with bans, and the probability is that that will continue in the future, despite what the statute states.

Saco would be better served to choose: Ban or no ban.

And if a total ban is approved, education and enforcement will be key to keeping illegal activity at a minimum.

Biddeford has posted signs, while Old Orchard Beach has issued citations and other towns have made similar moves. Currently, Alfred, Biddeford, Buxton, Hollis, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Sanford and Wells all have bans on using fireworks within their borders. And as more people become educated on the local laws, violators should dwindle.

In Saco, the residents who are opposed have been more vocal than those who are in favor of keeping fireworks legal. Just this week, five residents appeared at the meeting and spoke out against allowing fireworks and some parts of the proposed ordinance before the council.

Resident Susan Anton said she is literally losing sleep, but things have been “a little better” since the temporary ban. She asked the council to make the ban permanent and encouraged officials to do a better job of educating people.

Resident Ellen Gross described the change as a “nightmare” and thanked the council for the temporary ban. She also advocated for a permanent ban.

Whatever the path that the council chooses to pursue, they should consider what is truly feasible and cost effective, how it will be enforced and how to educate citizens and visitors about the local law.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham representing the majority opinion of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.