Fireworks ordinances go into effect in Clark County

Every Fourth of July and during the days leading up to the holiday, deputies with the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office are out on the streets helping law enforcement respond to calls involving fireworks. Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway said that these calls often involve people modifying or using fireworks in a malicious way.

He said that many of these incidents often have one thing in common.

“When we get there, the public doesn’t know what’s legal and not legal,” he said.

This Fourth of July, what’s legal and what’s not has shifted as fireworks ordinances passed by several municipalities in Clark County go into effect.

Following the particularly hot and dry summer of 2015, Camas, Washougal and Vancouver passed ordinances regarding the use of fireworks. Under state law, any change to fireworks regulations requires a 365-day notice, so this is the first year these regulations will be enforced.

The city of Vancouver’s new ordinance bans the sale and use of personal fireworks within city limits.

Many fireworks stands contribute part of their profits to Fort Vancouver Historical Trust’s annual fireworks show. When Vancouver passed its ban, the trust was concerned it would mean less money for the program. Natalie Hantho, program manager at the trust, wrote in an email that part of the proceeds from fireworks stands in Vancouver provided the event with $90,000 in funding. However, she wrote that the program was able to bridge the gap by applying for a City Lodging Tax Grant, so the fireworks show will go on.

Camas’ less restrictive ordinance means fireworks can be set off July 3 and 4. Under Washougal’s new ordinance, fireworks can only be set off July 4.

In Washougal, fireworks go on sale from July 2 through 4. In Camas, fireworks are sold through July 5, even though they illegal to use that day, he said.

In both Camas and Washougal, officials can ban fireworks if conditions are particularly dry. But Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher said that given the wet spring he doesn’t expect there to be a ban.

“The city of Vancouver is banning them, so there will be a lot of stands near city limits, I imagine,” Schumacher said. He said two fireworks vendors have received permits in Washougal and expects seven will be issued in Camas.

“I think we’ve got two or three more than last year,” he said.

Vancouver’s fireworks ban isn’t affecting the number of stands in unincorporated Clark County. Dunaway said that the county’s ordinance limits the permits for fireworks stands to one per 5,000 residents, which he said will pencil out to 44 stands.

“We don’t allow just anyone who wants to open a stand because they’ve been eliminated in other cities,” he said. He said the number of fireworks stands in unincorporated Clark County has stayed about the same for the last several years.

To report illegal use of fireworks, phone Clark Emergency Regional Services Agency’s nonemergency line, 3-1-1, or 360-693-3111. Calls involving a fire or injury from fireworks should be reported to CRESA’s 9-1-1 emergency line.