The Ocean Shores Fire Department and the Ocean Shores Police Department would like you and your family to have a fun and safe 4th of July in Ocean Shores. Below is a list of safety ideas and laws which you should follow in order to enjoy your holiday.

Fireworks can only be discharged on the beaches from Marine View Drive north to the Damon Road beach approach and not in town. Fireworks can not be discharged south of Marine View Drive.
Fireworks can not be used within 100 feet of the dune grass or fired into the dunes.
Fireworks can not be discharged from decks or balconies of hotels, motels, or any residential properties.
Absolutely no beach fires within 100' of the dunes or in large pieces of driftwood.
Please completely extinguish your campfire.

Fireworks can only be discharged during the following hours:

• June 28th 12:00 noon - 11:00 PM
• June 29th - July 3rd 9:00AM -11:00 PM
• July 4th 9:00AM-12:00 midnight
• July 5th 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

OLYMPIA - As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants the public to know that it will be reducing services to many facilities at DNR-managed recreation sites.

DNR begins reducing services this week. A list of recreation sites affected by reductions in service is available at: www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/am ... duced_services_063009.pdf. A map of these sites is at www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/am ... educed_services063009.pdf (1.9 MB PDF file).

The public can still recreate on state trust lands that have reduced services; however, there will not be any amenities such as outhouses, picnic tables, signs, or garbage service at these sites. In addition, gates to some of these sites may be locked and the only way in may be on foot. DNR asks that people visiting these areas pack out whatever they pack in and observe other principles of outdoor stewardship such as ‘Leave No Trace'. (http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php)

RAYMOND - The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins construction Monday, July 6 on a project to pave US 101 and improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) facilities in Raymond.

The US 101, SR 6 to Grays Harbor County Line paving project was awarded May 26 to Granite Construction Company with a bid of $2.8 million. The project resurfaces nearly nine miles of US 101 between SR 6 in Raymond and the Grays Harbor County line (mile posts 58.49 to 67.18) and brings sidewalk ramps in Raymond up to current ADA standards.

State Fire Marshal Michael G. Matlick announced today that in 2008 there were 518 fires caused by fireworks over the Independence Day holiday. 

Persons using fireworks must remember that there are legal consequences to damages caused by the irresponsible use of fireworks. Consequences range from being charged with malicious mischief to assault or a gross misdemeanor for possession of illegal explosive devices such as fireworks that have been tampered with or altered.  A gross misdemeanor can bring a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in prison. Possession of illegal explosive devices, such as M-80's, M-100's and larger, altered fireworks, and public display mortars, is a federal offence.

Summer weather conditions make grasses and other vegetation dry and susceptible to fire.  A person found responsible for a wildland fire started by a firework device can be required to pay restitution for the fire suppression costs.  Fire suppression costs of a wildland fire can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Shelton, WA - With the approach of the Independence Day Holiday, the Mason County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with the State Fire Marshal offers some tips and information on the responsible use of Fireworks.  According to the State Fire Marshal's Office in 2008 there were 785 fireworks-related emergency incidents in Washington resulting in $208,018 million in property loss.  Of the 785 incidents in 2008, 412 occurred between July 3 and July 5.
A majority of injuries are from Illegal fireworks and children between the ages of 8 and 14 sustain the most injuries.