PENDLETON — At a Wednesday, June 30, special meeting, the Pendleton City Council unanimously voted to ban fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

Acknowledging the “extremely hot and dry conditions,” the resolution the council passed gives city staff the authority to fine residents $500 should they violate it. The resolution is aligned with an executive order from the governor declaring a drought emergency in Umatilla County, meaning fireworks will be banned through Dec. 31 unless lifted earlier.

Police Chief Chuck Byram told the council that officers will approach enforcement of the fireworks ban like they do when responding to the use of illegal fireworks. Once police spot a firework in the sky, they will attempt to track down the person who set it off. He added that the police intend to only fine violators if they don’t respond to a warning.

The Rotary Club of Pendleton has organized an official Fourth of July fireworks show in years past, but Byram said there will be no show this year. Pendleton joins Umatilla County and Milton-Freewater in banning local fireworks.