Clark Regional Emergency Services officials offer instructions about where to call for fireworks nuisance complaints in Clark County

During the Fourth of July holiday weekend, CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) asks that residents not call 9-1-1 or 3-1-1 to report fireworks. Instead they can call (360) 597-7888 during the Fourth of July weekend to record fireworks nuisance complaints.  Only call 9-1-1 to report if you witness or see something on fire or if there is a medical or life-threatening emergency. Callers reporting nuisances or noise complaints around fireworks delay or block other callers with life-threatening emergencies from reaching 9-1-1. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE DURING FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY

Law Enforcement from Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Yacolt and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office must prioritize their response during periods of high demand.  Illegal use of fireworks and noise complaints are most often not an emergency in nature.  

During the busy Fourth of July holiday, law enforcement often must delay or suspend their response to non-emergency requests for service in order to respond to emergency events (assault, robbery, etc.). Protecting lives and preserving property are the highest priorities.

Please do NOT call 9-1-1 or 3-1-1 to report fireworks violations

Only Call 9-1-1 about fireworks if: 

• Someone is injured from a firework

• There is a fire started by a firework

• You witness someone attempting to start a fire with a firework

• You witness someone assaulting someone with a firework

NUISANCE FIREWORKS VIOLATIONS

Most fireworks violations are nuisance related.  They are loud, being set off outside time perimeters, scaring animals, or they might even be banned in your area.  While all of these are frustrating and some are even illegal, they do not rise to the level of an emergency event.   The Clark County Sheriff’s Office will not be responding to nuisance fireworks violations. Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, and Yacolt responses will vary depending on available resources.

FIREWORK CALL CENTER

CRESA will once again staff a fireworks nuisance complaint call center during the Fourth of July weekend. If you wish to record a complaint related to Fourth of July activities in Clark County, please call (360) 597-7888. The call center will be available July 2-4; 8 p.m. -1 a.m.  Complaint information will be relayed to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Please do not call 9-1-1 or 3-1-1 to report fireworks violations.  

Only Call 9-1-1 about fireworks if: 

• Someone is injured from a firework

• There is a fire started by a firework

• You witness someone attempting to start a fire with a firework

• You witness someone assaulting someone with a firework

FIREWORKS RULES

Fireworks rules vary between cities and unincorporated areas as well as on local tribal reservations.  Check local agency websites to see if fireworks are legal in your area, ignition dates and times by visiting: https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2022-06/fireworks-discharge-times.pdf.  For information on what types of fireworks are legal, go to the State Fire Marshal’s website: https://www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/.

Information provided by Clark Regional Emergency Services.