Fireworks for the Fourth of July went on sale June 28 in much of the county, though lighting them off is confined to only Independence Day per county code.
“Even though fireworks are offered for sale starting on June 28, remember that they are not allowed to be used until July 4,” Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young stated in a news release.
Residents can use fireworks in unincorporated Clark County from 9 a.m. to midnight Monday, July 4.
Vancouver has banned fireworks within its city limits altogether, and rules vary in other cities in the county. According to the county’s website, Ridgefield’s prohibition on discharge is the same as the county’s. In Battle Ground, discharge is only allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4. La Center also allows discharge on two days. Fireworks can be discharged from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 3 and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
Yacolt has the broadest discharge allowance in Clark County, spanning from 9 a.m. to midnight from June 29 to July 4, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 5.
Illegal use of fireworks, like firing them at times they aren’t allowed or by using types that are banned, are subject to a $500 civil fine for first time offenders in Clark County.
More information on permitted times for fireworks and what types are not allowed is available online at clark.wa.gov/commu nity-development/fireworks. The interactive map on the website also allows the public to quickly determine the rules for fireworks use based on an address anywhere in the county. Each location selling fireworks in the county is required to post signage outlining when fireworks can legally be used.
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency has established this phone number for reporting nuisance fireworks complaints: 360-597-7888. Residents are asked not to call 911 or 311 for the purpose of reporting nuisance fireworks.
Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate the Fourth of July with extra caution because improper use of fireworks can lead to grass or structure fires.
“Fireworks start more than 19,000 fires and send more than 9,100 people to emergency rooms nationwide each year,” Young stated in the release.
People who plan to buy fireworks are recommended to do so locally from a stand inspected by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office. Fireworks purchased outside of the county may not be legal in the area.
The county has recommended a number of precautions to prevent fires from occuring:
• Always have a bucket of water and water hose ready to douse any fire.
• Assign a responsible adult to supervise fireworks use.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and dry vegetation.
• Never aim fireworks at people or structures.
• Never attempt to alter fireworks or relight “duds” that fail to ignite.
• Place used fireworks in a bucket of water to soak overnight before disposing of them. These devices can still be smoldering and could start a fire if placed in a trash receptacle.
