Fireworks season under way almost everywhere — except Port Townsend

Fireworks stands opened across the North Olympic Peninsula at noon yesterday, except in Port Townsend, the only place where fireworks have been banned.

Fire officials reiterated the need to be safe with fireworks and, in the wake of a homemade bomb found in Clallam County Wednesday night, are asking people not to tamper with or modify the fireworks they buy.

“One of the issues I do run into is people improvising things that are bigger and better than the things they buy . . . or altering the things they buy,” said Ken Dubuc, Port Angeles fire marshal.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

An improvised explosive device was found by Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputies Wednesday night behind the Les Schwab Tire Center on U.S. Highway 101 in Port Angeles.

Rules and regulations

Most cities and counties follow the state law adopted in 1995 that sets the hours for selling and using fireworks as well as banning certain kinds.

Fireworks are allowed to be sold from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. each day through Independence Day, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 5.

People can discharge fireworks during those same hours with an extra hour until midnight on July 4.

The state allows cities and counties to pass ordinances more restrictive than the state law.

Port Townsend decided in 2003 to ban fireworks and the ban remains in place this year.

East Jefferson Fire Rescue Chief Mike Mingee urged those who set off fireworks to use extreme caution, and he had a suggestion for Jefferson County residents.

“For those who live in Port Townsend and in the county, I believe the safest way to celebrate Fourth of July is to enjoy the fireworks show at Fort Worden,” Mingee said.

Port Angeles has long banned “jumping jacks,” the kind of fireworks that spin and bounce, Dubuc said.

The City Council was encouraged to implement a ban last year during a passionate meeting with concerned neighbors held three days after Independence Day.

Fireworks restrictions

Some fireworks for sale on tribal lands — bottle rockets and firecrackers — are not allowed off the reservations.

Some explosives, like M-80s or larger, cherry bombs, tennis ball bombs are illegal anywhere in the state.

While the state restrictions on fireworks are complicated, Dubuc said that people can be sure any fireworks they buy from a stand can be legally discharged during the hours allowed.

Fires and injuries

According to the state Fire Marshal’s office, 794 fires and 207 injuries were caused by fireworks in the state in 2006.

Clallam County fire departments reported one injury and 17 fires caused by fireworks in 2006.

“We’re usually very busy with a number of small grass fires and such,” said Roger Moeder, assistant chief of Clallam County Fire District No. 3.

In Jefferson County, one fireworks injury was reported in 2006.

No fires caused by fireworks were reported that year in Jefferson County.

Supervision

Dubuc said it is important for parents to remember that all fireworks, including sparklers, require supervision.

According to the state fire marshal the legal fireworks that caused the most injuries were sparklers, responsible for 13 injuries in the state.

Dubuc said he has seen parents hand sparklers to toddlers and walk away.

“We preach, ‘Don’t play with matches, don’t play with lighters, don’t play with fire,’ 360 days a year, and for five days we have to just sit back and watch and cringe,” Dubuc said.

________

Reporter Randy Trick can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at randy.trick@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

A pair of wind surfers take off from the breakwater at Port Townsend Marina in an apparent race across the bay on Tuesday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Catching the wind

A pair of wind surfers take off from the breakwater at Port… Continue reading

Clallam County Economic Development Council Director of Operations Lorie Fazio, left, and Executive Director Colleen McAleer stand with Michael Cade, executive director of Thurston EDC who presented the WEDA’s 2025 Innovation in Economic Development award. The EDC received the award last month in recognition of its Clallam Forest Product Innovation Program.
Clallam EDC wins state innovation award

Forest innovation program intended to revitalize industry

Port Townsend library to show Willa Cather documentary

Free novels, dramatic reading Thursday at 5:30

Jefferson sets short-term rental rules

County establishes 4 percent cap, one rental per operator

When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
When former deputy and pilot John L. Strachan told his wife Jennie that his final wish was for his ashes to be sent into space, she wondered if he was kidding. After all, could such a thing even be done? Turns out, it can — and Jennie is making it happen. (Jennie Strachan)
Former deputy’s ashes to be sent into space

Widow of John Strachan to fulfill his dream

Port OKs Citizen Air lease

Company purchasing Rite Bros. Aviation

Rebates offered for e-bikes through April 23

The state Department of Transportation will accept applications for e-bike… Continue reading

Jefferson County Public Health names heroes

Jefferson County Public Health has announced its 2025 Public… Continue reading

Man transported to hospital after log truck goes into ditch

A log truck driver was transported to Forks Community Hospital… Continue reading

Heath Wade, 5, leads the goat parade to open the 37th annual Port Townsend Farmers Market on Saturday in the uptown neighborhood. Behind are goat wranglers Lindsey Kotzebue and Amber Langley of Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Market opens

Heath Wade, 5, leads the goat parade to open the 37th annual… Continue reading

Kelly Kidwell, a local business owner and property developer, is purchasing Rite Bros. with the intention of building a long-term sustainable business that will expand aviation access in the area. Citizen Air, based at William R. Fairchild International Airport, will offer charter flights and fractional aircraft ownership. The possibility of scheduled flights could be in the distant future. Kidwell is shown with his Poodle-Bernese mountain dog, Porter. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Citizen Air aims to expand access

New Rite Bros. owner planning for growth

Health officer: Disease numbers low, but cuts affecting programs

Additional measles case located in Washington state