Fireworks go on sale at noon statewide today, but that doesn’t mean they are legal everywhere.
Port Angeles is in its second year of a ban on selling and using fireworks. The discharge of fireworks is also illegal in Port Townsend, which banned personal fireworks in 2003.
“Police and firefighters very much appreciated the cooperation we got last year from the public,” said Port Angeles Police Chief Brian Smith.
“We think the word is out, and we’re hopeful we’ll see a higher level of public awareness.”
He said there were few calls last summer regarding fireworks. Those who violate the ban are subject to a $500 fine.
Peninsula law enforcement and fire officials are urging people to use caution this year while using fireworks.
Bill Beezley, spokesman for East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, recommends that people who want to see fireworks go to a public show put on by experts.
He said historically, there haven’t been many problems with fireworks in Jefferson County.
“Fortunately, we don’t have significant issues,” he said. “I think people here are smart and doing the right thing.”
Clallam County deputies will enforce fireworks laws throughout the holiday weekend, said Clallam Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King.
“The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will be on patrol at Lake Sutherland on the Fourth enforcing all laws including boating laws, under-aged drinking and fireworks violations,” he said in a news release.
He said it’s important for people to remember that not all fireworks they purchase on reservations are legal off the reservation.
“The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office wants you to have a safe, sane and enjoyable holiday,” King said. “Please drink responsibly and refrain from the use and consequences of illegal fireworks.”
State Fire Marshal Charles LeBlanc reminded residents to “know the laws before purchasing and discharging fireworks,” and “only purchase legal fireworks.”
This year, 867 retail fireworks stand licenses were issued statewide.
Fireworks can be discharged today from noon to 11 p.m., Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to midnight and July 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
This year, 10 stand licences have been issued in Clallam County, with four issued in Jefferson County, according to Dan Johnson, chief deputy state fire marshal.
Dan Orr, assistant chief at Clallam County Fire District No. 3, said Sequim is preparing for its fireworks ban, which goes into effect in 2018.
“Next year, with the city imposing a ban, we’re trying to get the education going from that perspective,” he said.
Orr is urging people to always read and follow directions, have an adult present, only buy from stands that have been permitted by the city of Sequim and always have water ready.
He said to never experiment or make homemade fireworks, light only one firework at a time, never re-light a dud and dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then throwing them away.
He said the city of Sequim has zero tolerance for sales, use and possession of illegal fireworks, which include things such as M-80s, cherry bombs and homemade fireworks.
Firecrackers and bottle rockets also are illegal.
All fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on federal public lands such as Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
Terry and Sam Marsh, members of Sequim Worship Center, help set up the Royal Rangers fireworks booth Tuesday near the Sequim J.C. Penney store. It is one of four booths in the Sequim city limits selling fireworks from today through July 5. Next year, the city of Sequim’s ban on discharing consumer fireworks will be implemented but booth sales will continue. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
