Fireworks for the Fourth of July go on sale on June 28 in much of Clark County, but different jurisdictions have different times for when they can be fired off.
Outside of city or town limits in unincorporated Clark County, fireworks can be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight on Tuesday, July 4. Ridgefield’s time for discharge is the same as the county’s.
Battle Ground and La Center have two days for fireworks use for the Fourth of July. In Battle Ground, discharge is allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday, July 3. La Center has one less hour for discharge, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 3. Both cities also allow the discharge of fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
Woodland allows for fireworks use for four days from July 1 to July 4. For the first three days, discharge is allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
Yacolt allows the widest range for fireworks use. From June 29 to July 4, discharge is allowed from 9 a.m. to midnight each day. The town also allows their use from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5.
In the southern parts of the county, Camas and Washougal restrict fireworks use from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4. Fireworks use is completely banned in Vancouver city limits.
Unincorporated Clark County includes Amboy, Hockinson and Brush Prairie. Those unclear on which jurisdiction they are in can access the county’s fireworks website at clark.wa.gov/community-development/fire works. The county maintains a map where a user can search their address.
The county website provides a number of safety tips to follow:
• Always have a bucket of water and water hose ready to douse any fire.
• Assign a responsible adult to supervise fireworks use.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and dry vegetation.
• Never aim fireworks at people or structures.
• Never attempt to alter fireworks or relight “duds” that fail to ignite.
• Place used fireworks in a bucket of water to soak overnight before disposing of them. The devices can still be smoldering and could start a fire if placed in a trash receptacle.
Using fireworks outside of allowed times can result in a civil fine starting at $500 in the county, the website stated. Possession of illegal devices is a felony and may also violate state and federal explosive statutes.
According to the county website, illegal fireworks include firecrackers, salutes, chasers, skyrockets, bottle rockets, M-80s, M-1000s and homemade devices.
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency has established a phone number for nuisance fireworks complaints at 360-597-7888, according to the county website. Residents are asked not to call 911 or 311 for the purpose of reporting nuisance fireworks.
