State Patrol gearing up for holiday weekend

Fire officials are urging people to use Fourth of July fireworks safely and legally this summer. They’re also emphasizing that different jurisdictions have different laws governing when people can light those fuses.

Legal times for fireworks use:

o VANCOUVER: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

o CAMAS: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5.

o WASHOUGAL: 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

o BATTLE GROUND: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5.

o RIDGEFIELD: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.

o LA CENTER: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.

o YACOLT: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

o UNINCORPORATED CLARK COUNTY: Noon to 11 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

Only Camas, Battle Ground and Ridgefield allow residents to set off fireworks on July 5.

There are also some differences in schedules for fireworks stands: Sales will continue until 9 p.m. on July 5 in Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground and Ridgefield.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is gearing up for the upcoming holiday weekend by dedicating troopers statewide and in southwest Washington to patrol the interstate and state routes. Troopers will be enforcing all traffic laws with special attention being paid to dangerous speeding, aggressive driving, DUI’s, and seatbelt/child restraint violations.

Statewide in 2010, Washington State Troopers arrested 309 drivers for DUI, issued 3516 speeding infractions, and 333 seatbelt/child restraint infractions over the 4th of July weekend.

WSP is asking motorists to have a game plan in place to make your traveling safe and enjoyable. Have extra supplies in your vehicle to include a flashlight with extra batteries, water and food, first aid kit, and an emergency communications device. Make sure your vehicle is current on its maintenance and check your tire pressures (including the spare tire). Ensure you have a working jack and the necessary tools to change a flat tire.

If you are traveling, expect delays due to heavier than usual traffic volume. Leave yourself plenty of time to make it to your destination. If you consume alcoholic beverages call a friend, a cab, or use a designated driver.

The WSP wants everyone to do their part this weekend – buckle-up, share the road, and don’t drink and drive.