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News / Clark County News

Heat, drought ignite concerns about fireworks in Clark County

County fire marshal’s office issues tips for safe use of bursts

By Jack Heffernan, Columbian county government and small cities reporter
Published: June 27, 2021, 6:04am

Fireworks sales for Fourth of July begin Monday in unincorporated Clark County, though a recent heat wave and drought conditions have raised concerns.

The county’s fireworks laws, which were updated ahead of the 2019 summer holiday, allow sales between June 28 and July 4. They can be discharged between 9 a.m. and midnight on the holiday.

Using illegal fireworks, or any type outside of permitted times, can lead to a $500 civil fine for first-time offenders in unincorporated areas of the county.

Allowed fireworks types and times vary by jurisdiction.

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Fireworks sales for Fourth of July begin Monday in unincorporated Clark County, though a recent heat wave and drought conditions have raised concerns.

Vancouver, for instance, has banned them, while Washougal allows only Class C fireworks — ones that travel no more than 1 foot into the air or spray sparks no more than 6 feet above the ground. La Center and Ridgefield banned the use of fireworks Friday due to heat and fire danger.

Clark County is under a drought advisory, and temperatures have approached 100 degrees or broken records in recent days, prompting concerns of fire danger.

“We’ve experienced an unusually dry spring this year, and hot weather is in the forecast,” County Fire Marshal Dan Young said. “It is vital that anyone using fireworks do so safely.”

Young said that his office will have six employees patrolling for fireworks violations in unincorporated areas each night from Monday through July 5.

Under Clark County Code, the county council chair has the ability to prohibit discharge and sale of fireworks during periods of extreme fire danger. In consultation with the fire marshal, the council chair can implement a ban when certain thresholds are met as reported by the state Department of Natural Resources.

During a council time meeting on Wednesday, councilors indicated that they would like to speak with Young this week to hear an update about conditions ahead of the holiday.

The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following steps to use fireworks safely:

  • 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, flammable objects, 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, which should always be kept nearby, to soak overnight before disposing of them.
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
  • Don’t use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
  • Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
  • Never light them indoors.
  • Never ignite devices in a container.
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
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Columbian county government and small cities reporter