CLARK COUNTY, Wash. (KPTV) - As many prepare to celebrate and have fun this 4th of July weekend, officials want to remind everyone to stay safe.

“Nationally, around 20,000 fires happen around the 4th of July with 11,000 injuries, most of them fireworks-related,” said Captain Blaine Dohman with Clark-Cowlitz Fire & Rescue. “Try not to be a part of the 20,000 fires or 11,000 injuries and help out your local emergency responders. Celebrate safely and have a good time, but try to keep it safe.”

Dohman says it’s easiest to let the professionals handle fireworks and go to shows if one or more is going to happen in your area.

“If you’re going to be doing your own fireworks, first and foremost think about safety,” said Dohman. “Never let children play with fireworks. Even something as benign as sparklers, which seem safe, but can burn hotter than boiling water. So be conscious of that. If you’re going to be lighting them off, make sure you have a water supply. Preferably a hose or a bucket of water, something where you can extinguish burning material after it falls or any secondary fires that may start. Wear appropriate safety gloves, goggles, anything that you may need to safely light off the fireworks. If you are in an area closer to other people make sure everyone is conscious that fireworks will be lit off. We have to be cautious of any veterans or anyone with PTSD.”

Fireworks are banned in Portland and Vancouver, but you can still watch shows in several areas this upcoming weekend:

For those looking to head out on the water this weekend, Dohman says safety needs to be a number one priority. He says Clark-Cowlitz Fire & Rescue has done several rescues the last few weeks; earlier this month first responders rescued a father and his two daughters after their boat capsized in the Lewis River and earlier this week, two people were rescued after their inner tubes popped and they were left stranded in the Columbia River.

“Now that summer is here, people are very excited to get out on the waterways,” said Dohman. “The water levels are still elevated and the water is still physically cold. If the heat is there, great, but you still have to be conscious of the hazards. The number one thing you can do is wear a personal floatation device. It can make the difference between being a simple assist to either a rescue or ultimately a body recovery. We will have additional swimmers and boat personnel on duty through the 4th of July. Hopefully we will not have to use any of them. Cannot stress enough for you or anyone you are responsible for make sure you are wearing a personal floatation device. "

If you plan on purchasing your own fireworks, there are plenty of tents in the area to choose from.

“It’s actually been really great,” said Aaron White, a fireworks tent manager. “We actually had customers here 5 minutes after we opened up. It’s really been good for this location. People have been coming through at a steady pace and sales have definitely been above average. A lot of people are looking for fireworks and enjoying their experience.”

One of the tents White has set up is in the Fred Meyer parking lot off NW 158th Ave in Beaverton. He says many of the tents you’ll see over the next few days are fundraisers. This specific location is raising money for Liberty High School’s baseball team to replace it’s infield. White recommends not waiting until the last minute to get your fireworks and to be safe when setting them off.

“Shop early,” said White. “A lot of people come in on the 3rd and 4th. If you come in the afternoon on the 4th it’s probably too late. Stuff is still there, but it’s not the stuff you’re looking for. If you come now and early through the weekend find someone to talk to and ask about descriptions and you’re going to have a good experience.

Definitely have some space. Make it a clear area. If you think you’re too close, you’re too close. So get a good 20 foot perimeter, have some water on hand, and just think ahead what to do, and you’re going to have a good time with it.”

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office provided information for residents with fireworks safety tips that will keep the holiday safe, enjoyable, and memorable:

“Here in Oregon, summer doesn’t really kick off until Independence Day, when we finally start seeing those regular stretches of sunny weather,” said Dean Sidelinger, MD, MSEd, health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority. “But with those long, hot days comes health hazards people should be aware of, and take steps to protect themselves.”

On Thursday, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) offered tips on staying safe and healthy as people head out for family gatherings, camping trips and other outdoor activities during the Fourth of July holiday:

Drowning prevention: Oregon’s lakes, river and beaches – not to mention backyard and community swimming pools – are great places to cool off and enjoy the water when the weather turns warm, but doing so means being mindful of ways to stay safe and prevent drownings and other injuries.

Wildfires, wildfire smoke: Gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant material can be dangerous if inhaled. Carbon monoxide is mainly a risk to people (like wildland firefighters) who work near smoldering areas. Smoke can irritate your eyes and respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. The amount and length of smoke exposure, as well as a person’s age and health conditions, play a role in determining if someone will experience smoke-related health problems.

Mosquitoes: West Nile virus (WNV) is carried by mosquitoes and can infect humans, horses, and birds. Humans can only get the virus from the bite of an infected mosquito; the disease does not spread from other animals to humans, or from person to person. Most infections are mild, with fever and flu-like symptoms, but severe infections may cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and rarely, death.

Ticks: Oregon is home to at least three species of ticks. East of the Cascades, the most common is the Rocky Mountain wood tick, which transmits Colorado tick fever, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. West of the Cascades, there’s the brown dog tick, which also spreads Rocky Mountain spotted fever; and the blacklegged tick or deer tick, which carries Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, an emerging infection called Borrelia miyamotoi, and several other diseases.

Cyanobacteria (harmful algal) blooms in lakes, reservoirs and rivers: Symptoms of exposure to cyanotoxins include diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, numbness, dizziness and fainting. Although cyanotoxins are not absorbed through the skin, people with sensitive skin can develop a red, raised rash when wading, playing, or swimming in or around a bloom.

Beach bacteria: Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Rabies: Bats and other small animals, such as foxes, play a valuable role in nature, but they can carry rabies. This viral disease of mammals attacks an infected animal’s nervous system. Typically, other animals acquire rabies by eating or coming in contact with a rabid bat.

Foodborne illnesses: Warmer weather makes it easier for food to spoil. Cooking meats to a proper internal temperature, and keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cool helps reduce foodborne bacteria from growing.

Extreme heat: Excessive heat conditions can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses that can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These high temperatures can seriously affect the health of the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition.

Alcohol, opioid misuse: Substance use, including excessive alcohol use and opioid misuse, can be a problem as people gather for summer activities.

Visit CDC’s Drink Less, Be Your Best website or see OHA’s Administering Naloxone During COVID-19 fact sheet. Also visit the Never Use Alone website

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