Some cities in Clark County will allow New Year’s fireworks

Pyrotechnic enthusiasts rejoice: Fireworks are back.

Within the city limits of Camas, Washougal and Battle Ground, residents can light fireworks from 6 p.m. today to 1 a.m. New Year’s Day.

Discharging fireworks everywhere else in Clark County is prohibited, to the benefit of those who would rather see fireworks banned year-round.

Fireworks sales started Tuesday with at least at two shops — Mean Gene Fireworks in Camas and Stevenson — offering imported combustibles. Sales must end by 11 p.m. tonight, according to state law.

New county rules will allow fireworks in unincorporated areas starting next year, from Dec. 31, 2016, to Jan. 1, 2017.

That means no Roman candles or other fireworks in unincorporated areas during the first hour of 2016.

The county rules passed this year restricted Fourth of July fireworks south of 219th Street (Highway 503) but opened up New Year’s Eve countywide for the previously banned explosions in the sky.

Fireworks regulations have proven divisive in Southwest Washington, with Vancouver recently passing a ban and Camas failing to do so.