Patrols begin for fireworks violations in Vancouver

It’s not legal to shoot off fireworks until Saturday within the city limits, but Vancouver residents already are complaining about violations.

Fireworks are now legal until 11 p.m. nightly (midnight on July 4) in unincorporated Clark County, including Hazel Dell, Felida, Orchards and some other jurisdictions.

In the city, deputy fire marshals began patrolling Sunday night for illegal fireworks use in response to noise complaints. They didn’t find any violators, Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said Monday, adding that she expects Wednesday and Thursday to be busy.

“We’ll have a zero-tolerance policy, and we’ll be writing citations when we catch people,” Scarpelli said. Fines for violators start at $250.

Given the dry, hot weather, Scarpelli urged the public not to use personal fireworks this season and to attend a professional fireworks show instead.

“Normally, when it’s so wet, we can deal with it, but this season it’s unprecedented because it’s so dry,” she said.

To file a complaint about the use of fireworks outside of the allowed hours, reckless or dangerous use of fireworks or illegal fireworks, call 911. Vancouver residents should not call 911 to report noise complaints July 4 during legal use hours from 9 a.m. to midnight.