Consumer fireworks are on sale at licensed stands around the North Olympic Peninsula. Just don’t light them in Port Angeles or Port Townsend this Fourth of July weekend.
This is the first year of a citywide fireworks ban in Port Angeles, including Ediz Hook. Violators are subject to a $500 fine.
Port Townsend banned personal fireworks in 2003.
Law enforcement and fire safety officials are reminding the public to use caution when lighting approved “safe and sane” fireworks outside the Port Angeles and Port Townsend city limits.
“Exercise common sense,” said Bill Beezley, East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesman.
“Put fireworks on the ground. Don’t hold them in your hand.
“Make sure everything’s out before you leave the area,” he added.
“It’s good to have water nearby.”
Consumer fireworks went on sale across the state Tuesday. There are nine stands licensed in Clallam County and two others in Jefferson County, according to the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
Approved fireworks can be legally discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. today through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to midnight on the Fourth of July on Monday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Legal fireworks include fountains, sparklers, smokers, spinners, Roman candles and noisemakers.
State law prohibits sky rockets, bottle rockets, firecrackers and larger explosives such as M-80s.
For an illustrated list of what’s legal and what’s not, visit http://tinyurl.com/PDN-fireworks.
“Don’t take any chances,” state Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy said in a Wednesday news release.
“Stay away from high-powered illegal explosive devices such as M-80s or homemade devices. While the Fourth of July happens only once a year, these devices can cause a life-altering injury that can last you a lifetime.”
All fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on federal public lands such as Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest.
Law enforcement agencies will be enforcing fireworks laws throughout the Peninsula this weekend.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit will be on patrol at Lake Sutherland enforcing boating laws, underage drinking and fireworks violations, Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King said.
Deputies field many fireworks complaints around the Fourth of July and make every effort to respond to them, King said.
The Port Angeles police and fire departments will add on-duty personnel at peak times throughout the holiday weekend, officials said.
The Port Angeles City Council voted 4-3 in March 2015 to ban the sale, possession and discharge of personal fireworks within the city.
The ban took effect April 8.
City police and fire personnel will issue warnings when appropriate and citations to those who willfully violate the new ordinance.
There were 240 fires caused by fireworks around the state last year, the state Fire Marshal’s Office said.
No significant fireworks-related fires or injuries were reported in East Jefferson County.
“We’ve been very fortunate the last few years,” Beezley said Wednesday.
“Knock on wood.”
Public fireworks displays are planned for Monday night in Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Forks and Neah Bay, according to various chamber of commerce websites.
________
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
