The Vancouver Fire Department is launching a media blitz directed at Vancouver residents, alerting them of the limitations and fines for shooting off fireworks on the most patriotic of holidays.
The Vancouver City Council got a crash course in current efforts to curb illegal fireworks in city limits at its Monday meeting. TV ads, as well as billboards, bus ads, fliers at fireworks stands and ads in The Columbian will run through the holiday season.
“We’ve taken an extremely proactive approach toward educating the public,” Deputy Fire Marshal Zane Norris said.
The department hopes to keep people safe while eliminating the stress of receiving a ticket.
“I’m more of a lover than a ticket writer,” Norris said.
Fireworks are only available for sale in the city of Vancouver for three days, from July 2 through July 4. Fireworks can only be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight July 4. Individuals who use fireworks any day other than July 4 may face a $250 fine, and fines for illegal fireworks start at $500.
Vancouver Fire Chief Joe Molina praised the proactive enforcement efforts at Monday’s meeting.
“It feels like it’s a more balanced approach,” Molina said. “This is what’s best for the community.”
In unincorporated Clark County, including Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek and Felida, fireworks may be sold from June 28 to July 4. They can be discharged from noon to 11 p.m. June 28, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3, and from 9 a.m. to midnight July 4. New restrictions for unincorporated Clark County will go into effect in 2016. Other incorporated cities have their own fireworks rules.
For more specific information on where and when you can legally shoot off fireworks, visit www.clark.wa.gov/development/fire/fireworks.html.
