PORT ANGELES — Fireworks are off limits in Port Angeles this summer, and city police and fire departments are reminding citizens about the ban.
After hearing testimony from both sides of the issue, the Port Angeles City Council voted 4-3 in March 2015 to ban the sale and discharge of personal fireworks within the city limits.
Under state law, local restrictions on the sale or discharge of fireworks take effect one year, 30 days after they are approved.
The Port Angeles fireworks ban took effect April 8.
The local ordinance — municipal code 9.20.020(D) — restricts the sales, transfer, possession and discharge of fireworks.
Violators are subject to a $500 fine.
City police and fire departments are launching an educational campaign to remind citizens about the new rules, Interim Police Chief Brian Smith announced Thursday.
The campaign will include newspaper, radio and social media releases, and printed information that will be distributed at fireworks booths in Clallam County.
“Signage will be placed at strategic locations, including at the primary east and west road entrances to the city and Ediz Hook,” police said in a news release.
Ediz Hook has been a popular spot to light personal fireworks.
Professional fireworks displays remain legal under the new ordinance.
The Port Angeles police and fire departments plan to add on-duty personnel at peak times throughout the three-day Fourth of July weekend, officials said.
Fourth on a Monday
July 4 falls on a Monday this year.
“Officers and fire department personnel will provide education and issue warnings when appropriate,” police said.
“Persons who do not heed warnings and willfully violate the ordinance should expect to be issued a citation.”
It is a misdemeanor to use fireworks in a reckless manner with substantial risk of serious injury, meaning physical arrests are possible, police said.
Port Angeles City Council members Brad Collins, Sissi Bruch, Cherie Kidd and former Mayor Dan Di Guilio voted last year to ban personal fireworks.
Council members Dan Gase, Lee Whetham and current Mayor Patrick Downie voted against the ban.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
