Fire and law enforcement officials are asking fireworks users to be extra careful this weekend when celebrating Independence Day.
With unusually dry conditions, fields, forests and structures are especially susceptible to fire.
“We want to urge everybody to be cautious when using (fireworks),” said Clallam County Fire District No. 3 Assistant Chief Roger Moeder, whose department responded to eight fires caused by fireworks in east Clallam County — including one house fire — last Fourth of July.
Clallam and Jefferson counties both follow state regulations for days and times fireworks can legally be discharged.
But rules vary among other jurisdictions on the North Olympic Peninsula.
Here is a summary of the regulations:
* Clallam and Jefferson counties and Sequim: Fireworks can be used from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday, and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday.
* Port Townsend: A city ordinance bans the use and sale of all fireworks in the city, except for the commercial show Sunday night.
* Port Angeles: The use of fireworks is illegal except on Sunday, when they are allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks are not permitted at Port Angeles City Pier, at Hollywood Beach adjacent to the Red Lion Hotel, or on the Waterfront Trail east of Lincoln Street.
* Forks: The city’s municipal code allows for fireworks to be used through noon on Tuesday.
Different rules apply on tribal reservations. Check with specific jurisdictions for more information on when fireworks can legally be used.
Fireworks are illegal on private and state forestland, as well as in Olympic National Park.
