Fireworks Regulations, Sales and Discharge for July 4, 2026

In advance of the upcoming summer season, the Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents that consumer fireworks can only be discharged on July 4 within the city limits of Camas and Washougal.

New Ordinances and Restrictions
Please note a critical legal change: A new Camas Municipal Code (Ordinance No. 24-011) took effect Sept. 16, 2025. This law strictly prohibits the sale, purchase, possession, and discharge of aerial shell kits with reloadable tubes, commonly known as mortars, within Camas city limits. Additionally, a 2017 ordinance continues to limit firework use in Washougal to "safe and sane" fireworks only. Any fireworks that fly, explode, or travel more than six feet on the ground or one foot into the air, such as mortars and roman candles, are illegal within the city limits of Washougal.

Patrols and Enforcement
To combat illegal firework use, fire and police personnel will be patrolling neighborhoods. Camas-Washougal Fire Marshal Kevin Bergstrom cautions that using illegal fireworks or discharging them outside of legally permitted dates and times may result in confiscation and fines.

The penalties start at $250 for the first offense, $500 fine for a second offense, $750 fine for a third offense, and $1,000 fine for each subsequent offense within a three-year period.

Sales Dates and Times
Fireworks stands will be open for sales during the following hours:

Camas and Washougal (July 2 – July 4): 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Camas Only (July 5): 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Safety and Community Mindfulness
Fireworks add excitement to 4th of July celebrations, but it is important to respect your neighbors while having fun. The Fire Department asks you to communicate your plans, be mindful of neighboring properties, clean up all debris, and dispose of it properly.

Fire Marshal Bergstrom also urges residents to remain vigilant regarding summer weather conditions. The Fire Marshal’s Office provides these essential safety tips:

Be prepared for emergencies by keeping a pre-connected garden hose on hand.
Use fireworks only on flat, hard surfaces away from buildings, vehicles, dry brush, and bystanders.
Submerge discharged fireworks in a bucket of water overnight.
Closely supervise children and pets; do not allow children to ignite fireworks.
Beware of sparklers, which can cause serious burns or ignite clothing.

Emergency and Complaint Reporting
July 3 and 4 are the busiest times for first responders, with call volumes typically tripling. While injuries and fires take priority, crews must still address regular service calls like medical emergencies and car accidents. Please expect potential response delays due to extreme call volumes.

True Emergencies: If you witness a fire, injury, or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
Complaints: Do not call 911 for noise complaints. Report disturbances or illegal fireworks to CRESA by submitting a form at CRESA.wa.gov or by calling the dedicated Call Center at 360-696-2264.