Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County residents can help prevent fires, injuries and pollution by properly disposing of fireworks after their Fourth of July celebrations. While fireworks sales begin this week, fireworks cannot legally be discharged in unincorporated Clark County until July 4.
Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations. And fireworks debris, if not properly cleaned up, can be washed into storm drains that lead to streams, rivers and lakes. Fireworks contain heavy metals and other chemicals that can harm fish and wildlife. To prevent waterway contamination, residents should sweep up and dispose of fireworks debris as soon as possible and avoid using fireworks near waterways.
Failing to clean up fireworks residue is littering, a violation of Washington law and Clark County ordinance. Clark County Public Works does not provide additional street sweeping after the Fourth of July.
Tips for proper disposal of used fireworks:
Tips for proper disposal of unused fireworks:
Do not attempt to move or transport homemade explosive devices or altered fireworks for disposal. They will not be accepted at the above locations. Call 911 and report them for removal.
If a firework fails to ignite, an adult should approach it carefully after at least 15 minutes and place it in a bucket of water. After soaking overnight, remove it from the water and treat it as an unused firework.
Residents should use fireworks only during legal discharge times, which vary across the county. It is illegal to discharge any fireworks in the city of Vancouver. For more information about fireworks regulations and tips for celebrating safely, visit the Clark County fireworks webpage.
To report illegal fireworks use, call 360.597.7888. The call center, which is operated by Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), will be available 5 pm to 1 am July 3, 1 pm to 1 am July 4, and 7 pm to midnight July 5-6. Please do not call 911 or 311 to report fireworks nuisance issues. Only call 911 for visible fire or injuries. An online form for reporting illegal fireworks use will also be available on the CRESA website, www.CRESA911.org, beginning June 28.