Fireworks stands opened across the North Olympic Peninsula at noon yesterday, except in Port Townsend, the only place where fireworks have been banned.
Fire officials reiterated the need to be safe with fireworks and, in the wake of a homemade bomb found in Clallam County Wednesday night, are asking people not to tamper with or modify the fireworks they buy.
“One of the issues I do run into is people improvising things that are bigger and better than the things they buy . . . or altering the things they buy,” said Ken Dubuc, Port Angeles fire marshal.
An improvised explosive device was found by Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputies Wednesday night behind the Les Schwab Tire Center on U.S. Highway 101 in Port Angeles.
Rules and regulations
Most cities and counties follow the state law adopted in 1995 that sets the hours for selling and using fireworks as well as banning certain kinds.
Fireworks are allowed to be sold from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. each day through Independence Day, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 5.
People can discharge fireworks during those same hours with an extra hour until midnight on July 4.
The state allows cities and counties to pass ordinances more restrictive than the state law.
Port Townsend decided in 2003 to ban fireworks and the ban remains in place this year.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue Chief Mike Mingee urged those who set off fireworks to use extreme caution, and he had a suggestion for Jefferson County residents.
“For those who live in Port Townsend and in the county, I believe the safest way to celebrate Fourth of July is to enjoy the fireworks show at Fort Worden,” Mingee said.
Port Angeles has long banned “jumping jacks,” the kind of fireworks that spin and bounce, Dubuc said.
The City Council was encouraged to implement a ban last year during a passionate meeting with concerned neighbors held three days after Independence Day.
Fireworks restrictions
Some fireworks for sale on tribal lands — bottle rockets and firecrackers — are not allowed off the reservations.
Some explosives, like M-80s or larger, cherry bombs, tennis ball bombs are illegal anywhere in the state.
While the state restrictions on fireworks are complicated, Dubuc said that people can be sure any fireworks they buy from a stand can be legally discharged during the hours allowed.
Fires and injuries
According to the state Fire Marshal’s office, 794 fires and 207 injuries were caused by fireworks in the state in 2006.
Clallam County fire departments reported one injury and 17 fires caused by fireworks in 2006.
“We’re usually very busy with a number of small grass fires and such,” said Roger Moeder, assistant chief of Clallam County Fire District No. 3.
In Jefferson County, one fireworks injury was reported in 2006.
No fires caused by fireworks were reported that year in Jefferson County.
Supervision
Dubuc said it is important for parents to remember that all fireworks, including sparklers, require supervision.
According to the state fire marshal the legal fireworks that caused the most injuries were sparklers, responsible for 13 injuries in the state.
Dubuc said he has seen parents hand sparklers to toddlers and walk away.
“We preach, ‘Don’t play with matches, don’t play with lighters, don’t play with fire,’ 360 days a year, and for five days we have to just sit back and watch and cringe,” Dubuc said.
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Reporter Randy Trick can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at randy.trick@peninsuladailynews.com.
