PORT TOWNSEND — The only way to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks legally in the city of Port Townsend is to watch the show Monday at Fort Worden State Park.
All use of consumer fireworks is prohibited within the city limit.
Fireworks are allowed in rural Jefferson County, with some restrictions, according to East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.
Fireworks can be set off outside the city limit between 9 a.m. and midnight the Fourth of July.
Prohibited devices include cherry bombs and tennis ball bombs, bottle rockets, missile-type rockets, chasers, firecrackers and salutes, and other homemade or altered fireworks.
Legal fireworks are available in four Jefferson County locations: three in Port Hadlock/Chimacum and one in Quilcene.
All are to benefit school or civic programs.
Firefighters with East Jefferson Fire-Rescue and the Quilcene, Brinnon and Port Ludlow fire departments will be on high alert all weekend, they said.
Those using fireworks are cautioned not to light them indoors or near dry grass, to always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby and to wear snug clothing while lighting them.
If a device fails to go off properly, users are told not to stand over it to investigate it or try to relight it but to wait at least 15 minutes before placing it in a bucket of water.
The public Fourth of July fireworks show will begin at about 10 p.m., originating from the lighthouse area at Fort Worden State Park.
It is organized by the Sunrise Rotary Club.
The State Patrol said dogs that sniff for explosives will find fireworks at state ferry terminals. Ferry riders should store fireworks where they are accessible, troopers said.
Illegal fireworks will be confiscated.
Consumer fireworks are permitted, with restrictions, in Clallam County, where public fireworks displays are planned in Port Angeles, Forks and Neah Bay.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.