Fireworks and Recreational Burning Restrictions in Grays Harbor

grays harbor fireworks
Grays Harbor July 4th Fireworks over the ocean are not to be missed!

 

Submitted by Grays Harbor County Emergency Management

The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the general public to use due care and caution during the 4th of July weekend.  With the extremely dry conditions, and the continued warm and dry weather, fireworks and recreational burning can be very hazardous if not done safely and legally. While there are still various areas throughout Grays Harbor County where the safe discharge of legal fireworks is permitted, law enforcement and fire officials are strongly encouraging residents to reduce the risk of fires and enjoy the professional fireworks displays.

Every year during this holiday weekend, law enforcement encounters individuals who discharge missile-type rockets (i.e. bottle rockets) toward other individuals, residences, forested areas, hay fields, or the sand dunes.  Given the extremely dry conditions, this type of behavior can have devastating results.  Deputies will aggressively pursue individuals who are discharging these types of fireworks in the above mentioned manner.  Individuals who are found committing these types of acts will be facing Unlawful Discharge / Use of Fireworks, or Reckless Burning 2nd Degree charges, both of which are gross misdemeanors.  If the person’s actions cause injury or start a fire, the subject will be looking at felony charges.

This is a public safety announcement.  The Sheriff’s Office truly hopes all will have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.  Below will be the various restrictions throughout the county for the discharge of fireworks and recreational burning.

Public Fireworks Displays

  • Rich Hartman 5 Star Dealership Splash Festival Fireworks Display is Saturday July 4 at Morrison Park, Aberdeen at 9:00 p.m.
  • Fourth of July Public Fireworks Display at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino in Ocean Shores, Saturday, July 4  at 10:00 p.m.
  • Booming Bay Fireworks Display in Westport, Saturday, July 4 at Firecracker Point in the Boat basin at dusk.
  • Shoalwater Bay Casino Fireworks Display in Tokeland, July 4 at dusk.
  • Spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza at the Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Sunday July 5 (following car races).

Fireworks and Recreational Burning Restrictions

  • If discharging fireworks along the beaches, remember to move closer to the water and point towards the ocean to prevent sparks from landing in the dry dune areas.
  • Use extreme caution when discharging fireworks around other people, pets and children.
  • Do not drink adult beverages and discharge fireworks. Countless injuries occur each year linking alcohol consumption and discharging fireworks.
  • Please don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver to transport everyone home safely from your holiday activities.
  • Please be courteous and remove your debris when you leave the beach. Soak all fireworks debris in water and dispose of it properly. DO NOT put fireworks debris in your car or in trash receptacles unless it has been thoroughly soaked in water.

City of Aberdeen has adopted the following restrictions:

  • Discharge of fireworks is allowed only on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to midnight.
  • Lawful fireworks are defined as common fireworks labeled U.N. 0336 1.4G.
  • Recreation fire in approved burn pits per IFC still allowed at this time as well as BBQ LPG / Charcoal appliances.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter, the state statutes and regulations adopted herein is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Cosmopolis bans aerial firework discharge in residential areas

  • They are only allowed to be discharged in Cosmopolis from 6:00 p.m. to midnight on the 4th of July.
  • All aerial projectile fireworks are prohibited in residential areas, they may however be discharged at the Cosmo Specialty Fibers boat launch.
  • Ground-based fireworks may be discharged between 6:00 PM and Midnight on the Fourth of July only.

Violations of the order will be considered violations of Cosmopolis Municipal Code, and will be dealt with accordingly.

Hoquiam Restrictions

  • Fireworks allowed from 9:00 a.m. to midnight on July 3 and 4 only.

Ocean Shores Restrictions

  • Absolutely no beach fires.

Fireworks can only be discharged during the following dates and hours:

  • July 2 and 3 between the hours of noon and 11:00 p.m.
  • July 4 between the hours of noon and midnight.
  • Only legal fireworks may be discharged. Firecrackers and bottle rocket-type fireworks are not permitted.
  • Fireworks can only be discharged on the beaches from the Damon Road beach approach (Best Western) to Marine View Drive. Fireworks cannot be discharged in town.
  • Fireworks cannot be used within 100 feet of the dunes or fired into the dunes.
  • Fireworks cannot be discharged from decks or balconies of hotels, motels, or any residential properties.

Westport Restrictions

  • No Fireworks permitted within City limits.
  • Fireworks may be discharged along beach at Half Moon Bay, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., no other areas permitted.
  • Fireworks cannot be used within 100 feet of the dunes or fired into the dunes

Elma, McCleary, Montesano, Oakville are permitting the safe discharge of legal fireworks according to local ordinance. Please check with your local jurisdiction for specific details.

  • Fireworks allowed now through  July 3  from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Fireworks allowed on July 4  from  9:00 a.m. to midnight.
  • July 5 Fireworks allowed from  9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Check with your local jurisdiction for more specific details.

Unincorporated Grays Harbor County is allowing safe discharge of legal fireworks.

  • Fireworks allowed now through  July 3  from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Fireworks allowed on July 4  from  9:00 a.m. to midnight.
  • July 5 Fireworks allowed from  9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Check with your local jurisdiction for more specific details.

Recreational Campfires will only be allowed on private property in the following manner:

  • The campfire can be no more than 3 feet in diameter, and constructed with a ring of metal, stone or brick 8” above ground surface, with a 2-foot-wide area outside of the ring cleared to the soil.
  • The area must be at least 10 feet away, all around from any possible flammable material and 20 feet clear of overhead materials (trees, bushes)
  • The fire must be attend to by a person 16 years or older with a shovel, a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
  • Outdoor cooking at your private residence is allowed in an approved appliance using charcoal, wood, gas or propane.

Washington State Parks Burn Ban Extends to the Ocean Beaches

No campfires allowed.

Washington State Parks announced a ban on campfires in all state parks because of extreme dry conditions and hot weather.

The fire ban also extends to all ocean beaches with the exception of federal and tribal lands. (If you are planning to visit those sites, please check with the local jurisdiction for burn ban restrictions)

Currently, Washington State Parks are under a Level 4 – Extreme fire ban or higher. A Level 4 ban means that fires are restricted to gas and propane self-contained camping stoves. No charcoal or wood fires will be allowed in State Parks, even in designated fire rings.

As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, parks officials remind the public that fireworks are never allowed on state parks property. Governor Inslee has asked citizens to consider celebrating without fireworks this Fourth of July to prevent accidental ignition of the extreme dry, tinder-like brush and grasses in park and beach dune areas.