As the Fourth of July approaches, many Clark County residents are gearing up for celebrations filled with dazzling fireworks displays. If you’re planning to light up the night sky yourself, it’s crucial to know where to legally purchase fireworks and understand the local regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. This guide provides essential information on where to buy fireworks near you in Clark County, while staying within the bounds of the law and prioritizing safety.
Fireworks sales in Clark County kick off on Friday, June 28th, giving you ample time to prepare for your Independence Day festivities. For those residing in unincorporated Clark County, you can legally discharge fireworks from 9 am to midnight on Thursday, July 4th. New Year’s Eve celebrators can also enjoy fireworks from 6 pm on December 31st to 1 am on January 1st in unincorporated areas.
It’s important to remember that these discharge times are specifically for unincorporated areas of Clark County. Regulations can differ within city limits, so always verify local rules.
Finding Legal Fireworks Retailers
When it comes to purchasing fireworks, your safest bet is to buy from permitted and inspected local vendors within Clark County. These stands are inspected by the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office, ensuring they meet safety standards and sell fireworks that are legal for use in the county. Purchasing from these locations minimizes the risk of acquiring illegal fireworks, which can lead to hefty fines and even felony charges.
fireworks stand in Clark County
A typical fireworks stand in Clark County, ensuring inspected and legal fireworks are sold to the public.
To legally sell fireworks in Clark County, vendors are required to obtain a permit. This process ensures accountability and helps maintain safety standards within the industry. By choosing permitted vendors, you contribute to a safer fireworks environment for everyone.
Legal Fireworks Discharge Locations and Times
Understanding where and when you can legally use fireworks is just as important as knowing where to buy them. Clark County has specific regulations in place to minimize fire risks and disturbances.
Unincorporated Clark County:
As mentioned earlier, in unincorporated Clark County, fireworks can be discharged during these specific periods:
- Independence Day: 9 am to midnight on Thursday, July 4th.
- New Year’s Eve/Day: 6 pm on December 31st to 1 am on January 1st.
City Limits:
Regulations within city limits can be stricter. Notably, the sale and use of all fireworks are illegal within Vancouver city limits. Violators in Vancouver can face fines of $500 or more. For information regarding fireworks use within other cities in Clark County, it’s essential to consult the specific city’s regulations. You can often find this information on city government websites or by contacting your local fire department.
Prohibited Areas:
Regardless of the date or time, fireworks are strictly prohibited in the following locations:
- City, county, and state parks.
- Public property.
- Lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources.
- US Forest Service lands.
These restrictions are in place to protect natural areas, prevent wildfires, and ensure public safety in shared spaces.
map of fireworks discharge areas in Clark County
A map illustrating designated areas for legal fireworks discharge in Clark County. Always check local regulations for your specific address.
To determine the specific days and times fireworks can be used at your residential address, Clark County provides an online map tool. By entering your address into the search bar on the map, you can quickly identify the applicable regulations for your location. This tool is invaluable for ensuring you are compliant with local laws.
Fireworks Safety: Essential Tips for a Safe Celebration
Safety should always be paramount when handling fireworks. Clark County Fire officials urge residents and visitors to exercise extra caution, especially during dry conditions. Here are crucial safety reminders to keep in mind:
- Water is Your Best Friend: Always have a bucket of water and a water hose readily available to douse any unexpected fires or malfunctions.
- Responsible Supervision: Assign a responsible and sober adult to supervise all fireworks activities. Children should never handle fireworks.
- Clear the Area: Use fireworks outdoors in a clear, open area, far away from buildings, vehicles, and dry vegetation that could easily catch fire.
- Aim Safely: Never aim or throw fireworks at people or structures.
- Handle Misfires with Care: Never attempt to alter fireworks or relight “duds” that fail to ignite. Duds can be dangerous and may explode unexpectedly.
- Proper Disposal: Place used fireworks in a bucket of water to soak overnight before disposing of them in your trash. Even seemingly extinguished fireworks can retain heat and pose a fire risk if not properly soaked.
fireworks safety tips
Key safety guidelines for handling fireworks, ensuring a safe and responsible celebration.
By adhering to these safety guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fires, ensuring a happy and safe Fourth of July for yourself and your community.
Understanding Legal and Illegal Fireworks
Navigating the complexities of legal versus illegal fireworks can be confusing. The safest approach is to purchase fireworks from inspected and licensed local retailers. These vendors are knowledgeable about local regulations and will only sell fireworks that are legal in Clark County.
Avoid purchasing fireworks through mail order or from public transporters, as these sources are often illegal. Fireworks purchased outside of Clark County may not meet local legal standards.
Illegal Fireworks to Avoid:
Possessing or discharging the following types of fireworks is illegal in Clark County and Washington State:
- Firecrackers
- Salutes
- Chasers
- Skyrockets
- Bottle rockets
- M-80s
- M-1000s
- Homemade devices
These fireworks are often more powerful and dangerous than legal options and are prohibited due to the significant risks they pose. Possession of illegal fireworks can result in felony charges and substantial fines.
examples of illegal fireworks
Illustrations of illegal fireworks commonly prohibited in Clark County and Washington State.
Reporting Fireworks Complaints
While fireworks can be a source of entertainment, nuisance fireworks can disrupt neighborhoods. Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency has established a dedicated phone number for reporting nuisance fireworks complaints: 360.597.7888.
This phone line is operational during peak fireworks periods:
- July 3rd: 5 pm to 1 am
- July 4th: 1 pm to 1 am
- July 5th & 6th: 7 pm to midnight
Important Note: Do not call 911 or 311 to report nuisance fireworks. Call 911 only in case of a fire, injury, or immediate danger.
By using the designated nuisance fireworks complaint line, you help ensure that emergency services are available for genuine emergencies and that fireworks-related issues are addressed appropriately.
Celebrate Responsibly
Enjoying fireworks responsibly means being informed, safe, and considerate of your community. By purchasing legal fireworks from local vendors, understanding discharge regulations, prioritizing safety, and being mindful of noise levels, you can contribute to a positive and safe Fourth of July celebration in Clark County. Remember, when in doubt, always err on the side of caution and choose professional fireworks displays for guaranteed safe and spectacular entertainment.
