Fireworks banned for majority of North County

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As the upcoming Fourth of July holiday approaches,  nearly all of North County has fireworks banned.

As of June 29, all unincorporated Clark County and the cities of Battle Ground, La Center, and Ridgefield have banned the use of fireworks for Independence Day this year.  Excessive heat and dry conditions have led fire marshals across the county to  prohibit the devices used.

Prior to Battle Ground's ban announced June 28, Clark County Fire District 3 — which operates in the city — announced it will provide additional staffing during the upcoming fire season, but asked the public to do its part in preventing any blazes.

“Even if they are legal in your area, fireworks are not recommended this year,” the release stated. “If you do choose to celebrate the holiday with fireworks, please do so as safely as possible.”

Ridgefield and La Center won’t be allowed to discharge legal fireworks this year, as Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue banned their use June 25 given the hot and dry conditions.

Some municipalities had not announced any bans on fireworks as of June 29. Woodland’s regulations allow for discharge from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.

Yacolt has allotted more days for the discharge of fireworks compared to other municipalities. Fireworks are allowed to be used from noon to 11 p.m. on June 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3, from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  on July 5.



The fireworks ban for unincorporated Clark County was announced June 29. Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young noted his staff will be out enforcing the fireworks laws. Illegal use of fireworks, such as curfew or device type violations, are subject to a $500 civil fine for first time offenders.

Those in Vancouver city limits won’t be able to light off any pyrotechnics, as the city has outright banned their use.

Ridgefield celebrates the Fourth

Although fireworks at both the Clark County Fairgrounds and Fort Vancouver are canceled this year, Ridgefield has scheduled a number of events on Independence Day.

The day begins with a Fourth of July 5k/10k run at 9 a.m. at 121 N. Main Ave., according to a website for the event. At 10 a.m., vintage and classic cars will be parked along the streets of downtown, while a number of events including vendors and kids games are scheduled at Davis Park and the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center. A street dance event at Overlook Park rounds out the day’s happenings.

Other activities include a pie-eating contest at 2 p.m. at Overlook Park and judging for a “Patriotic Parade of Homes” across town.

In lieu of fireworks, Ridgefield will have its first-ever laser light show at Abrams Park. At 9:45 p.m., Nu-salt laser will kick off the event, bringing its show that has been featured on MTV and at the Grammys, the event website stated.