Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Fire Department

Safety & Prevention - Fireworks

Fireworks - New law went into effect in 2010

Beginning in 2010 the legal fireworks SALES season in the City of Vancouver will be seven days long, from June 28 through July 4.

Legal dates of USE will be four days long, from July 1 to July 4.

Stands will be allowed to open at noon on June 28, 2010.

Legal dates and hours of discharge will include:

• July 1 to July 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• July 4, from 9 a.m. to midnight

Fireworks sales and discharge at any other time is prohibited without a special permit.

(Effective with the 2009 Independence Day holiday, fireworks sales and use were eliminated July 5.)

Citations may be issued

It is important for residents and visitors to observe all laws about the use of fireworks. Be aware of legal dates and times for use. Fines begin at $250 for fireworks use outside of legal times and dates of use. Fines for use of illegal fireworks begin at $500.

Chief Don Bivins of the Vancouver Fire Department reminds parents to insure child safety through close and  sober supervision of personal fireworks use, and by using only legal fireworks purchased from approved stands during the fireworks season.

Remember that buying fireworks on a reservation is equivalent to buying them in another country. Fireworks sold on tribal lands are not subject to local and state laws and may not be legal in Vancouver and Clark County.

"It's important for parents to be present when fireworks are ignited, and to insure that the materials are lit in an open area away from homes, vehicles and any combustibles," he says.

Be prepared, safe & responsible

Parents who choose to use fireworks should insure that purchased fireworks are legal. Teach children to be prepared, safe and responsible:

• Read and follow all warnings
• Only adults should light fireworks
• Light fireworks in a safe area, such as a driveway or other paved surface
• Keep fireworks at least 25 feet away from vegetated areas, or areas with combustibles.
• Never attempt to relight or alter malfunctioning fireworks. After allowing them to stand for several minutes, discard in a pail of water
• Keep a hose and bucket of water nearby
• Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly. Fireworks should never be held or thrown.
  Remain a safe distance away from the devices
• Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned
• If clothes catch fire, remember to STOP, DROP onto the ground, cover your face, and ROLL over and over until the fire goes out

Careful inspections

The City of Vancouver Fire Department conducts thorough inspections and issues permits that authorize retail fireworks stands and any fireworks storage facilities inside the city limits. Display sites are also carefully inspected for compliance with the Uniform Fire Code and Vancouver Municipal Code.

By state law, fireworks sales are limited to people age 16 and over. Sellers must require proof of age with a driver’s license or photo identification card issued by a school or government.

Very young children should never be allowed to use fireworks. Even sparklers, which burn at over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, can be dangerous if used improperly.

Dangerous, prohibited fireworks include bottle rockets, firecrackers of any type, cherry and aerial bombs and M-80 salutes.

The City of Vancouver Fire Department is dedicated to promoting and enhancing safety through education and code enforcement.

Poisoning hazards for kids and pets

The Washington Poison Center has issued a warning about firework ingestion danger. Fireworks may be wrapped in attractive wrapping and children have been known to eat one or several fireworks before the bad taste registers. Animals have also been known to eat fireworks. Ingestion of any amount of fireworks can be harmful.

Call the Poison Center Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 right away to speak with a Poison Information Specialist who can advise on the medical treatment needed, if any. 

Return to Fireworks