Port Angeles – Here come the fireworks, and Clallam County Sheriff Brian King is reminding residents of important safety and legal guidelines for the using them this Independence Day.
For most of us, it’s all about location. For instance, east of the Elwha River in Unincorporated Clallam County, consumer fireworks can only be used from 9:00 a.m. to midnight on the day of July 4th.
West of the Elwha River, fireworks can be used in accordance with Washington State law.
And as always, within city limits of Sequim and Port Angeles, fireworks are banned altogether.
Reminder: Illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, firecrackers, missiles, and any device that explodes. None of these are considered “consumer fireworks”, even if you can buy them at a stand, and are banned statewide.
Keep in mind, if your fireworks start a fire or cause damage, you may be held civilly and criminally liable — even if the fireworks were legal. Over 1,000 fireworks-related emergencies occur in Washington State every year.
Sheriff King urges all residents to celebrate safely, follow the law, and consider attending a professional fireworks display instead of lighting your own.