This Fourth of July marks the City of Sequim’s first fireworks display.

The 20-minute show by Western Display Fireworks of Canby, Ore., will begin about 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, at Carrie Blake Community Park.

With fireworks shooting upwards of 400 feet in the air from the Albert Haller Playfields, in the northern end of the park, city staff report there are many places in Sequim to watch.

Those who come to the park not fully vaccinated from COVID-19 must wear a mask, city staff report.

Assistant Fire Chief Dan Orr with Clallam County Fire District 3 said career and volunteer firefighters will spray the field thoroughly to prevent any incidents.

About 30 volunteer firefighters and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members will help direct traffic, he reports.

Cost for the show is $15,000 with funds coming from the Sequim Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.

Consumers

Consumer fireworks have not been allowed in Sequim limits for a few years now following a November 2017 citizen advisory vote and city council decision in early 2018 to ban them.

One group is permitted to sell commercial fireworks at Walmart’s parking lot through July 5.

While not allowed in the city, residents can legally discharge legal consumer fireworks through July 5 in unincorporated Clallam County from 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King warned residents to be careful with consumer fireworks and recommended people enjoy a local fireworks show instead. He reported that fires or damage caused by a person’s fireworks could result in civil and possible criminal charges.

In the Sequim area, Orr reports firefighters have fought one fire each Fourth of July span for the last three years with the largest being a 10-feet by 10-feet grass fire.

“In looking at the weather, it is certainly hot and dry and the potential is there for a fire,” he said.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office recently reported it received 597 reports of fireworks-related incidents in 2020 reported by hospitals, clinics, and fire agencies.

In that total, there were 237 injuries and 360 fires in Washington state, resulting in about $1.3 million in losses.

Of the injuries, 88 were from people being hit by fireworks and/or debris, while 109 were classified as burns, the office reported.

The total number of injuries though was down 12 percent from 2019 though, the office reported.