For those planning to ring in the new year with the flash and bang of fireworks, remember they aren’t allowed everywhere in Clark County.
The cities of Vancouver, Ridgefield and La Center prohibit the discharge of fireworks within city limits.
Amboy, Battle Ground, Camas, Woodland, Yacolt and unincorporated Clark County — including some areas with Vancouver mailing addresses — allow the discharge of legal fireworks from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Washougal allows fireworks within the same window but only the “safe and sane” variety.
While the Clark County Council did make an exception last year to allow fireworks sales during the last week of December, the council voted against a similar interim ordinance for 2022.
Using fireworks remains illegal in city, county and state parks and on public property, as well as land managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.
Lighting off fireworks outside the allowed dates and times can result in fines starting at $500 per violation. Possession of illegal fireworks is a felony and might also violate state and federal explosive statutes. Illegal fireworks include devices guided by a stick (bottle rockets) or fins (missiles), devices with no other function than to explode (firecrackers, M-80s, etc.), homemade devices or modified consumer fireworks.
Make sure to use all fireworks safely and have a bucket of water or garden hose ready to douse fires, have a responsible adult supervise, use fireworks outdoors and away from buildings and vehicles, and follow all directions. Be sure to soak used fireworks in water overnight.
