The Fourth of July is Tuesday — which means that fireworks season already has been rekindled.
So, too, have debates about local fireworks laws, with the topic annually ranking among the most discussed of any issue in these parts. Since 2016, Vancouver has banned the sale and use of fireworks within the city limits. Restrictions also are in place for unincorporated Clark County and every city in the area, with several jurisdictions allowing fireworks only on July 4.
Well, that’s that, right? End of discussion. Every county resident can get a peaceful night’s sleep in the days leading up to the holiday.
Of course, that is not the case. Not everybody willfully follows the law, and booms and bangs can be heard on a nightly basis leading up the Fourth.
For many residents and their pets, this is troublesome. As the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department reports: “As beautiful as they are, the sounds, smells and shockwaves of fireworks can be triggering for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.” And as The Humane Society writes: “Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells.”
On top of that is the risk of a fire being started by fireworks. House fires are a possibility, and climate change has increased the threat of a wayward pyrotechnic triggering a wildfire. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, which burned 50,000 acres in the Columbia River Gorge, was sparked by a teen carelessly lighting fireworks.
All of that has been weighed by local governments in devising restrictions. Elected officials have considered the issues and created laws they believe are proper for their jurisdiction. There is no right answer in balancing personal freedom with an appropriate level of risk for the public.
For many Americans, it is — indeed — an issue of personal freedom. Fireworks are a long-standing part of Fourth of July traditions, celebrating the founding of the United States and the individual rights that came along with that.
No less an authority than John Adams wrote about the nation’s independence: “It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
We think he meant “shows.” We also might add that firing a gun is a foolish way to celebrate independence. Times have changed since 1776.
But regardless of one’s personal feelings about the use of fireworks, it is incumbent upon all residents to be aware of local laws and to be considerate of their neighbors. It also is incumbent upon local officials to enforce the laws they have put in place.
As the city of Vancouver website explains: “No, fireworks are NOT legal in the City of Vancouver. … This is a complete ban that includes all types of fireworks. Civil fines start at $500 for violating this law.” The page also says: “To record a complaint related to 4th of July activities in Clark County, please call 360-597-7888.”
But last year, although more than 750 complaints were logged at a centralized Clark County call center, the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office did not issue any citations to people caught lighting fireworks during the Independence Day weekend. An unenforced law is no better than no law at all.
So, yes, there are multiple issues surrounding the Fourth of July and how we celebrate it in Clark County. Let’s hope it is a safe and sane celebration this year.
