Firework Safety, Sales and Discharge - 4TH OF jULY

Be fireworks safe

The Fire Marshal’s Office and the Camas and Washougal Police Departments will have an increased presence during the fireworks season this year enforcing the fireworks laws as adopted by Camas and Washougal City Councils.

An ordinance passed in November 2017 by Washougal City Council changed the types of fireworks you can set off within city limits. Know Washougal’s legal changes on fireworks usage now in effect according to Washougal Municipal Code, Chapter 9.22.

Read about the proper disposal of fireworks from Clark County Public Health.

SAVE 9-1-1 CALLS FOR TRUE EMERGENCIES

To record a complaint related to 4th of July activities in Clark County, please call (360) 597-7888.

During the 4th of July holiday weekend, CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) asks that residents not call 911 or 311 to report fireworks. Instead they can call 360-597-7888 during the 4th of July weekend to record fireworks nuisance complaints. Only call 911 to report if you witness or see something on fire or if there is a medical or life-threatening emergencyCallers reporting nuisances or noise complaints around fireworks delay or block other callers with life-threatening emergencies from reaching 911.

What can you do?

  • Talk to your neighbors first 
  • Prepare your household for the reality that people will use fireworks 
  • Remember fireworks are legal in many portions of Clark County

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE DURING 4th OF JULY HOLIDAY

Law Enforcement from Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Yacolt and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office must prioritize their response during periods of high demand.  Illegal use of Fireworks and noise complaints are most often non-emergent in nature.  

During the busy Fourth of July holiday, law enforcement often must delay or suspend their response to non-emergency requests for service in order to respond to emergency events (assault, robbery, etc.). Protecting lives and preserving property are the highest priorities.

Do not call 911 or 311 to report fireworks violations.  Only Call 911 if:

  • Someone is injured from a firework
  • There is a fire started by a firework
  • You witness someone attempting to start a fire with a firework
  • You witness someone assaulting someone with a firework


DATES OF PERMITTED SALE 

July 2: 9am-11pm
July 3: 9am-11pm
July 4: 9am-11pm 

DATES OF PERMITTED USE

July 2: NOT ALLOWED
July 3: NOT ALLOWED
July 4: 9am-midnight

Legal

“Safe and sane” fireworks are those that are neither projectile nor explosive—basically anything that doesn’t leave the ground.

This includes:

  • Fountains
  • Sparklers
  • Smokeballs
  • Snake-type fireworks
  • Ground-spinning fireworks
  • Pinwheels
  • Most novelty fireworks
  • Toy-trick noisemakers
  • Some crackling items

Illegal

Fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than one foot into the air or more than six feet on the ground.

This includes:

  • Firecrackers
  • Salutes
  • Chasers
  • Rockets
  • Aerial missiles and spinners
  • Mortar-type fireworks
  • Roman candle-types
  • Any other device (combination or novelty) that is structurally or functionally similar

Enforcement 

Violations will be punished with a civil infraction and by a fine of:

  • $250 – first offense
  • $500 – second offense
  • $750 – third offense
  • $1,000 – each subsequent offense within a three-year period

In addition to citations being issued, any illegal fireworks may be seized.


Have a safe and happy 4th of july from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department and the City of Washougal!

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