PORT ANGELES — The first day for sales of Fourth of July consumer fireworks was today at noon for most of the 26 licensed stands on the North Olympic Peninsula.
An exception is the lone fireworks stand in Forks, which is operated by the West End Youth League.
It will be open only from Wednesday through Saturday because of the high fire danger.
While it is legal to discharge state-approved “safe and sane” fireworks in most Peninsula jurisdictions — excluding the city of Port Townsend — authorities are urging the public to leave the pyrotechnics to the experts this Fourth of July.
“We’re asking people not to do fireworks and to go to the public displays instead,” Clallam County Fire Marshal Annette Warren said Friday.
“We are very concerned about this particular Fourth.”
The recent spell of warm and dry weather has left the vegetation dry and extremely susceptible to fire, state and local fire officials said.
Those who choose to blow up fireworks themselves this week are advised to keep hoses or buckets of water nearby, officials said.
“We are very concerned with the current weather conditions and the dangers that consumer fireworks present not only to personal safety, but the very real fire threat they pose to our communities and the wildland areas,” Warren said in a news release.
“We urge everyone to leave fireworks in the hands of professionals and to go and enjoy one of the more than 100 firework displays offered across the state.”
Professional fireworks displays will begin around dusk in Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Forks and Neah Bay.
Last chance in PA
This is the last Fourth of July to legally discharge consumer fireworks in the city of Port Angeles.
Consumer fireworks can be set off in the city from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday only.
Port Townsend banned consumer fireworks within the city limits in 2003.
Other North Olympic Peninsula jurisdictions allow the use of personal fireworks throughout the week.
Legal fireworks include fountains, sparklers, smokers, spinners, roman candles and noisemakers.
State law prohibits sky rockets, bottle rockets, firecrackers and larger explosives like M-80s.
For an illustrated list of what’s legal and what’s not, visit http://tinyurl.com/PDN-fireworks.
Here are the days and times when it is OK to light consumer fireworks by jurisdiction, according to the State Patrol:
■ Clallam County (unincorporated) — 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 5.
■ Jefferson County (excluding Port Townsend and Port Ludlow) — 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday.
■ Sequim, Forks and Port Ludlow — Noon to 11 p.m. today; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 5.
■ Port Angeles — 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
■ Port Townsend — No consumer fireworks.
Last year, 155 fires were caused by fireworks statewide, state Fire Marshal Charles Duffy said.
Safety tips
Bill Beezley, East Jefferson Fire-Rescue spokesman, offered the following safety tips for personal fireworks: Do not light them near dry grass, always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby, wear snug clothing and wait at least 15 minutes before placing a dud into a bucket of water.
“The safest option of all is to attend the Independence Day fireworks display at Fort Worden,” Beezley said of the planned Port Townsend public display.
High fire danger prompted the West End Youth League to shorten the number of days it will operate.
“Even the smallest of fireworks could cause huge fires with the dry conditions of yards, trees and nearby forests,” said Jolene Winger, youth league president.
Clallam County Fire District No. 1 Chief Bill Paul urged those using consumer fireworks to take special care this year.
“We all love the Fourth of July and our kids love fireworks, but everything is so dry that people need to be extra diligent about their firework safety,” Paul said.
A person who causes a fire with consumer fireworks may be charged for fire suppression costs and damages, Sequim City Attorney Craig Ritchie said.
“This may be a year to back off on a lot of stuff you would otherwise shoot up into the air,” he said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
