Fireworks sales on horizon in Clark County

Fire investigators found fireworks sparked four structure fires, a vehicle fire and 14 fires in landscaping and brush in Vancouver in 2015. Fires did $574,000 in damage around July 4, up from $5,000 the year before. The Vancouver Fire Department paid $107,000 in overtime in late June and early July.

In the rest of the county, officials tallied more than $250,000 in damage resulting from fireworks.

The Camas City Council also voted to alter its fireworks rules last year, limiting the days residents can use fireworks to July 3 and 4. The council also passed an ordinance that empowers Camas’ mayor to prohibit fireworks entirely in times of high fire danger.

The Washougal City Council passed an ordinance allowing emergency bans earlier this month. Vancouver, Camas and Washougal’s changes won’t go into effect until 2017.

In Vancouver, the ban starting next year only applies to personal fireworks. Public displays — the kind with professional pyrotechnic operators, bonding, insurance, and state and local permits — will still be allowed.

Busy weekend

Scott Johnson, emergency manager at the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, said 911 dispatchers are bracing for a busy weekend.

“Fourth of July is one of our busiest days, if not the busiest day of the year,” he said.

There are usually more people out and about, more injuries and, even if the weather’s relatively mild, more fire calls.

“It’s one of those holidays that usually involves nice weather and people getting together,” he said. Johnson said residents who encounter a fireworks nuisance should double-check where they are and the hours for legal fireworks use.

They can call their local fire department or police administrative lines to check discharge times (Or, keep a copy of this article bookmarked or clipped out).

For noise issues or complaints about illegal fireworks use, people can call the nonemergency 311 number, he said. In Vancouver, using fireworks outside of the time window comes with a $250 fine. Illegal, altered or improvised fireworks can net a $500 fine.

If someone is hurt, if there’s a fire or if there’s some other emergency, dial 911.

Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli said her office is expecting a busy season in the city as people take advantage of their last year to use fireworks.

In another change for this year, the Vancouver Police Department will take fireworks for disposal.

Previously, the fire department has taken unused fireworks for disposal, but fire stations started receiving more dangerous items, the department went to the police for help.

“They weren’t necessarily fireworks, they were altered devices. And homemade devices,” she said. “We felt very uncomfortable even having them.”

Scarpelli and Dunaway reminded residents to be safe this year: Have water nearby. Keep kids away from fireworks. Don’t mix alcohol and festive explosives. Light fireworks from atop asphalt or concrete, and check they’re not under something.

Also, Scarpelli said, be sure to pick up and throw away fireworks debris, but first submerge spent fireworks in a metal bucket filled with water.

Firefighters have encountered many fires sparked by smoldering embers left in spent fireworks that were tossed in plastic bins or paper bags, she said.

“Sometimes, they even bring them back in the house and throw them away in the kitchen garbage,” she said.

Moreover, Dunaway pleaded, try to be conscientious. “Being a good neighbor can’t be regulated. Be a good neighbor, communicate what you’re doing. Just try and be as cooperative with each other as you can.”

Fireworks sales

Statewide, barring local restrictions, fireworks sales start at noon June 28, through 11 p.m. Fireworks can then be sold from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 29 to July 4, then from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.

• Unincorporated Clark County: Matches state law, except sales are prohibited on July 5.

• Battle Ground: No additional local sales restrictions.

• Camas: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.

• La Center: Noon to 10 p.m. June 28; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 29 to July 4; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.

• Ridgefield: No additional sales restrictions.

• Vancouver: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2-4.

• Washougal: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 2-4.

• Yacolt: No additional sales restrictions.

Fireworks discharge

State law allows for fireworks use from noon to 11 p.m. on June 28; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 29 to July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.; and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5. Locally, what’s allowed varies substantially.

In unincorporated areas of Clark County, discharge times are abridged depending on where in the county the celebrations are. The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office said every fireworks stand in the unincorporated county will have a map showing the discharge area regulations.

• Unincorporated Clark County, north of 219th Street: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 28 to July 3; 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

• Unincorporated Clark County, south of 219th Street, including Hazel Dell, Felida and Salmon Creek: 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

• Battle Ground: No additional restrictions.

• Camas: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-3, 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

• La Center: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 29 to July 3; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.

• Ridgefield: Keeps with state law, save that fireworks use is limited from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.

• Vancouver: 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

• Washougal: 9 a.m. to midnight July 4.

• Yacolt: No additional restrictions.

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Correction: The article previously listed an incorrect start date for fireworks sales in Camas.