Fireworks go on sale at noon today, but remember safety — and that jurisdictions have different rules about when it’s OK to set off fireworks are out.
New this year, residents within Vancouver city limits cannot set fireworks off until July 1. The city council voted to shorten the fireworks season to four days, and Acting Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said the city has been doing its best to educate residents by distributing letters to neighborhood associations, running a spot on CVTC and updating the city’s website. Closer to the start of the season, four electronic flashing signs at key entry points into the city will remind people to hold off until July 1.
The city bought 50,000 fliers to be distributed at fireworks stands.
Another change to be aware of is that in unincorporated Clark County and the towns of Amboy and Yacolt, fireworks cannot be discharged on July 5. Only the cities of Camas, Battle Ground and Ridgefield still allow fireworks on July 5.
Washougal, in response to complaints from residents, has the county’s tightest restrictions, as it only allows fireworks to be set off on July 4.
Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway said he knows the different rules make it confusing. He said he approached county commissioners last year about trying to get countywide rules, but commissioners didn’t think it was necessary.
Dunaway said fireworks stands are required to post the legal discharge hours, but it’s still confusing for someone who, for example, goes to a stand on Highway 99 (outside of Vancouver city limits) to buy fireworks today and then brings them back to his home within city limits and doesn’t realize he has to wait until Thursday to set them off.
Still, most people follow the rules, Dunaway said.
As for enforcing the rules, he said his office has received calls from residents concerned about neighbors with a history of bad behavior, and he’s compiling a list of places to check on.
“There are always people out there who are going to do something with fireworks that they are not supposed to,” he said.
He encourages people to be considerate of neighbors.
Scarpelli, knowing alcohol often plays a role in fireworks-related accidents, suggests people have a sober “designated lighter.”
But not a child; both Dunaway and Scarpelli said only adults should light fireworks.
Other reminders:
o Firecrackers, bottle rockets, M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are illegal. Just because you can buy something on tribal lands doesn’t mean it’s legal off the reservation.
o Fireworks come with instructions. Please read them.
o Fireworks should be lit in a clear area at least 25 feet away from people, houses, vehicles, dry leaves, grass or flammable materials. Keep a hose or bucket of water handy to extinguish any small fires. If your clothes catch on fire, cover your face and stop, drop and roll until the fire goes out.
oPersonal fireworks cannot be used in public parks.
o Clean up your mess. Soak used fireworks overnight in a bucket of water before putting them in the trash.
o Illegal use of fireworks is subject to a $250 fine and citation. Offenders could also be charged criminally and face up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Dunaway and Scarpelli’s final suggestion? Leave it to professionals.
After last year’s show at Fort Vancouver Historic Site was canceled due to a lack of money, it’s back this year as Independence Day at Fort Vancouver presented by Bank of America. Tickets can be bought online through July 3 for $5 or for $7 at the gate. Free admission for children ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available at http://www.fortvan.org.
