ANYONE WISHING TO purchase and discharge fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday should be aware of the different rules and regulations regarding the discharge of fireworks in the different cities in Clark County.
WASHINGTON ALLOWS SOME fireworks that are prohibited in Oregon, but it is still illegal to purchase fireworks in Washington that are illegal in Oregon and transport them to Oregon. Make sure you know all the rules and regulations before purchasing fireworks.
As numerous community members prepare to celebrate the country’s independence this Fourth of July, those planning to buy and discharge fireworks should be aware of area fireworks regulations and remember to be respectful of your neighbors and surroundings, always taking every safety precaution.
The sale and discharge of fireworks in the city of Battle Ground is regulated by city code and state statute. The city allows for the placement of fireworks stands throughout the city for the Fourth of July and New Year’s sales season. Each license holder must be a service club, religious or charitable organization located in or benefiting the citizens of the city of Battle Ground. These groups must be designated as a nonprofit organization by the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Fireworks stand sales in the city of Battle Ground will occur during these dates and times:
• June 28, noon-11 p.m.
• June 29-July 4, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
• July 5, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fireworks use or discharge within the city of Battle Ground is allowed during these dates and times:
• June 28, noon-11 p.m.
• June 29-July 3, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
• July 4, 9 a.m.-midnight
• July 5, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
More information on the city of Battle Ground’s fireworks stand permit process and regulations can be found at http://www.cityofbg.org/index.aspx?nid=437.
Here are the fireworks legal discharge days and times for other North Clark County area cities:
La Center
• June 29-July 3, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
• July 4, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Ridgefield
• June 28, noon-11 p.m.
• June 29-July 3, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
• July 4, 9 a.m.-midnight
• July 5, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Woodland
• June 28, noon-11 p.m.
• June 29-July 4, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
• July 5, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Unincorporated Clark County/Amboy/Yacolt
• June 28, noon-1 p.m.
• June 29-July 3, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
• July 4, 9 a.m.-midnight
Illegal fireworks
It can be difficult to determine which fireworks are legal and which ones are not. If you are going to purchase fireworks, your best bet is to buy them locally from a local dealer that has been inspected and approved by the Clark County Fire Marshal. It is illegal to obtain fireworks by mail order or public transporter.
It is illegal to possess or discharge:
• Firecrackers
• Salutes
• Chasers
• Skyrockets
• Bottle rockets
• M-80s
• M100s
• Homemade devices
Washington allows some fireworks that are prohibited in Oregon. However, it is illegal to purchase fireworks in Washington that are illegal in Oregon and transport them to Oregon. Fines for illegal possession and use of fireworks can be steep – up to $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. Possession of illegal devices is a felony and might also violate state and federal explosive statutes.
For more information on Clark County regulations for fireworks sales and discharge, visit http://www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/fireworks.html. For Cowlitz County regulations, visit http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/index.aspx?nid=572.
