Frequently Asked Questions

You can type your address into this online tool to find out if you live in Washougal city limits or Clark County: https://clark.wa.gov/code-administration/fireworks 

Legal fireworks can be purchased during the following time period:

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

There is a fireworks stand at 3003 Addy St. near Bi-Mart.

Yes, as long as they are legal AND meet the definition of Safe and Sane. See definitions below. 

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

Please call 911 if you see the following:

• 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

To report illegal fireworks usage:

1. Complete the form at CRESA911.org

• https://cresa911.org/formcenter/non-emergency-12/submit-fireworks-complaint-56

2. Contact our Call Center at 360-597-7888 during the following hours:

• Wednesday, July 3rd 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
• Thursday, July 4th 1:00 pm to 1:00 am
• Friday, July 5th 7:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Saturday, July 6th 7:00 pm to 12:00 am

Reports of illegal fireworks will be shared with the appropriate authority.

SAVE 9-1-1 CALLS FOR TRUE EMERGENCIES

During the holiday, CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) asks that residents not call 911 to report fireworks. Instead they can call 311 during 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 emergency. Callers reporting nuisances or noise complaints around fireworks delay or block other callers with life-threatening emergencies from reaching 911. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE 

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 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.

What can you do?

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

If you witness or see something on fire, if there is a medical or life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Do Not Call 911 if:

• Your neighbors are setting off fireworks
• It is 10:30 PM and you need to get up early tomorrow
• The noise is upsetting your animals

COMPLAINTS

To record a complaint related to fireworks activities in Clark County, please call 311.

This is one of the busiest times for our 9-1-1 dispatch center and First Responders with call volume tripling. Injuries and fires will take priorities, and other regular calls for service are still happening and need to be addressed such as medical calls and car accidents. Please note there may be delays in response due to extreme call volume.

What can you do?

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

If you witness or see something on fire, if there is a medical or life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.

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.

Yes! You may be subject to arrest for Reckless Burning in the First Degree 9A.48.040 or Second Degree 9A.48.050 depending on what type of structure or property is damaged, even if you did not intend on damaging it. Additionally, if you use fireworks in a reckless manner and someone is injured as a result, you may be subject to arrest for Unlawful discharge or use of fireworks 70.77.488.