The county has met the established criteria outlined in the Clark County Code, which can result in extreme fire danger
VANCOUVER – Clark County has banned the sale and use of fireworks in the unincorporated area beginning today — Tue., June 29 — through midnight July 4 when use of fireworks would normally end.
The county is implementing the ban pursuant to Clark County Code which provides that the Clark County council chair, after consulting with the fire marshal, may prohibit the discharge and sale of all fireworks during periods of extreme fire danger. The county has met the established criteria outlined in the Clark County Code, which can result in extreme fire danger.
More specifically, Washington State Department of Natural Resources reported data on the following metrics outlined in the Clark County Code:
- The burning index is extreme as determined for the entire county; and
- The fuel moisture content of the ten (10) hour fuels is below eight (8) anywhere in the county; and
- The energy release component is in the ninetieth percentile.
“We’ve had an unusually dry spring for the Pacific Northwest,” said Clark County Fire Marshal Dan Young. “That coupled with a record-breaking heat wave led to conditions that increase our fire danger risk in Clark County.”
“We recognize that this decision will cause some hardship to some residents’ celebration plans as well as businesses and non-profit organizations that sell fireworks,” said County Council Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien. “We empathize with all who are affected, but we must follow county codes. They are in place to protect the welfare and safety of Clark County residents.”
Other local jurisdictions also have banned fireworks due to fire danger including the cities of Battleground, Ridgefield, La Center, Camas and Washougal. Vancouver has an existing ban on fireworks within its city limits.
The ban for the Fourth of July holiday does not affect the discharge of fireworks on Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. as allowed in county code.
Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.
All Residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or (360) 693-3111 (non-emergency) with any concerns.
Concerns about what?
Interesting that fireworks are unsafe but recreational fires are safe.
Recreational fires are confined to a very small area, which of course, you know
Yes but if the county was in an extreme fire risk they would be banned. County code requires “The burning index is extreme as determined for the entire county.” Per the Department of Natural Resources Clark county is currently two levels bellow that at a “High” rating. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions
That map isn’t the burn index
Thank goodness, SOME people in this county are using their heads & not listening to those few only interested in their pocket books!!! Yay for you standing up for what’s the prudent thing to do.
Sorry for their loss of revenue but as seen in the Gorge a few years back due to simple fireworks, it costs way more then a few people lose.
Look your telling people that have been locked down for 18 months with little to no support from our government. Government comes our and said the state is open go enjoy. So now they are trying to take that privilege as an American away. I think not what’s next who can and can’t have children? Look light off your fireworks be adults about and be smart. Enjoy your 4th of July
Fireworks M 80s blasted for4 days these r dangerous Police could not get a handle on them. 3700 N Decatur Beginning of W Twain and Arville circulated around 55plus housing I replayed on line than had to call 311 Smoke surrounded Palms Tower and sparks near my complex Please officers I want u safe but this has been bad up to 3am thank you