Are Fireworks Legal in Vancouver, Washington?

Want to shoot fireworks off in Vancouver? Well don't even think about it. Save your money.  

It's time to open up the headquarters of Dogs Against Fireworks (DAF). I'm the Executive Director. I've been an anti-fireworks advocate ever since I moved to Vancouver, WA. Want to know why? Apparently people can't understand following the law in this town. Fireworks were scaring me, and many other dogs, for over two weeks around 4th of July and for a few nights over New Years Eve. Something had to change. And, fortunately, we had a sensible City Council that did change the law.

So the answer to the question is... NO! It is against the law to shoot off fireworks in Vancouver, WA. Here's what the city has to say:

In 2015, the Vancouver City Council approved a fireworks ordinance (M-4147) that went into effect in October 2016. This ordinance made the sale and use of consumer fireworks inside the city limits of Vancouver a crime. This is a complete ban that includes all types of fireworks.

Civil fines start at $500 for violation of this law.

To assist citizens in complying with the law, Vancouver Fire Marshal Heidi Scarpelli is encouraging people to visit this useful page to determine if they are inside or outside the city limits of Vancouver. Just because your mailing address is "Vancouver, WA" does not mean you are actually located within the city limits.

If you live outside the Vancouver city limits, other regulations apply. Please be guided by that jurisdiction's applicable laws.

Professional fireworks displays that have been permitted by the City remain legal. Once again this 4th of July, the Fort Vancouver National Trust will host the Independence Day Celebration at Fort Vancouver. This is among the largest fireworks shows in the nation. It is free of charge this year, and includes live music before the fireworks.

Interesting facts from the National Fire Protection Agency

• Sparklers accounted for 28% of fireworks related injuries from June 20 to July 20, 2014
• In 2014, 79% of fireworks injuries fell into the categories of sparklers, firecrackers, re-loadable shells and novelty fireworks.
• Approximately 15,600 reported fires were caused by fireworks in 2013

Francesca's Dog Talks: Dog Park Rule #1

Hi, it's me, Francesca. I love going to the dog parks most of the time. But there are times when people don't follow the rules and that makes me mad. Mostly it makes me mad because I am the one who gets in trouble! So here's my first talk about Dog Park Rules:

Now don't get me wrong. I know I am lucky to live in Vancouver, WA where they have such nice dog parks, but please, people... follow the rules!

Love, Francesca

Coonhound Tales Endorses Anne McEnerny-Ogle for Mayor of Vancouver, WA #vanwa

From time to time we get political here but only when it matters. So we sent our owner to the kick-off breakfast for Anne McEnerny-Ogle's campaign for Mayor. In addition to enjoying the breakfast (she didn't bring us any), she picked up buttons and a yard sign. Since we gave up trying to pound the yard sign into in the frozen front yard, we decided to have a meeting about how we can lend our support for Anne for Mayor. And here's what we decided:

And of course Francesca had to chime in. But, truthfully, she has some good points to share:

Anne is just Pawsome!

Love, Cinnamon and Francesca.

Fireworks are NOT LEGAL in Vancouver, Washington on New Year's Eve

After I worked so hard on a fireworks ban for the City of Vancouver. And after I celebrated when the Mayor and City Council voted to approve the ban, I keep hearing that Fireworks are legal in Clark County. Well, I live in Clark County so that is so confusing.

There are some places where sales are allowed in Clark County and there are some places where setting the dratted things off on New Years Eve is allowed BUT FIREWORKS ARE NOT LEGAL IN THE CITY OF VANCOUVER.


Now I'm glad I live in Vancouver. In Vancouver you can't shoot off stuff on New Years Eve. It's against the law! So don't go shopping in Clark County and bring that horrible stuff into MY city. Why don't you stay inside and have a great little party?

Enough said,

Cinnamon the Coonhound
Executive Director
Dogs Against Fireworks

Francesca's Squirrel and Rabbit Volksmarch

Today, I Francesca, went on a volksmarch put on by the Vancouver USA Volkssporters right here in Vancouver where I live. I got excited as we drove across town. We pulled up in front of Clark College. That's a place with lots of trees and grass... ripe hunting grounds for rabbits and squirrels.

Here's where the bunnies live. They are probably educated bunnies!

My owner made me stay in the car while she registered. This was a special event with four 5K loops. I requested the one with the most bunnies and squirrels on it... that was the green route. They had marked it with arrows and ribbons.

Finally I got out of the car and we were off.... The first thing I saw was a bunny in the grass, right behind the start/finish point. Woah! This was a GOOD volksmarch! But, since it was 5K, we had to keep walking.

Here's the old cemetery where the disrespectful squirrels live

Soon we arrived at an interesting old cemetery. It was a the old City Cemetery that was established in 1867. Now cemeteries are supposed to be quiet but this one had some very lively squirrels in it. I pulled and wanted to go chase them. But my owner kept me behind a fence so I couldn't go hunting. I suppose it would be disrespectful to the people who were buried there. So we kept walking.

Here I am trying to get into the cemetery to
chase the squirrels.

We walked to a park with several squirrels. I barked and pulled and howled my head off. I have to say, I was really annoying. So we kept walking.

Here's where I want to go eat sometime.

We saw an ice cream place called Igloo. I loved the retro look and thought, perhaps, we could stop for an ice cream! But it was closed. I noticed there was a patio in front where, hopefully, dogs can sit with their owners for a burger and shake. Sometime....

Here's that retro bowling sign.

And, we saw a retro bowling alley sign too. Vancouver has some interesting history, both old and not so old. I liked the Igloo restaurant the best and told Cinnamon all about it.

There were overgrown yards with flowers.
I knew interesting things lived in the weeds and grass there.

But then it was off to finish the walk. We were on Mill Plain Blvd. which was lined with huge trees. And you know what lives in trees, right? SQUIRRELS! I made a fool of myself once again barking at a squirrel and pulling on my leash. I was getting tired. It felt like a 10K by then!

I spy yet ANOTHER SQUIRREL!

So I didn't get to go chase ANYTHING and we were finished with the walk. I was so tired... mostly from pulling on my harness and barking at the wildlife. But I did get credit on my volksmarch list! Thank you Vancouver, USA Volkssporters!

When I got home Cinnamon was all full of energy and wanted to play. I felt sorry for her so played with her a little bit and told her about the ice cream place. But now... I just want to take a nap.

Love, Cinnamon

Sunny Day! Fisher's Landing 5K Walk

Here's the big hill we went up.
I was full of energy at this point.

Hi, it’s me, Francesca. I just got inside from doing some heavy duty sunbathing on the back deck. Cinnamon and I were getting so tired of all the rain!

So, since it was sunny today, I got to go on a volksmarch. It’s one of those map-guided walks just for my owner and me. We didn’t see any other walkers on the trail this morning… just us.

This walk started at the QFC grocery store on 192^nd in Vancouver. It is hosted by the Vancouver Volkssporters. I had to stay in the car while my owner registered. I was NOT happy! I was so tired of being inside and I was raring to go.

And off we went. The first thing we did was climb up a hill to an overlook. It was noisy as there are active quarries in the area. The quarry there began operations about 1881 and is still in operation today. But we walked up the hill to a little grassy park where we could look out over the quarries and to the Columbia River. 

 

Here I am looking around on the top of the hill.

 

There was information about Lewis & Clark
and the indigenous people. But I can't read so I don't know
much more than that.

I heard you could see Mt. Hood from there but it was too cloudy. I liked sniffing around up on the hill. Soon, it was time to go back down the hill and continue our walk.

We entered a neighborhood and heard some dogs in the fenced yards. I minded my business and didn’t bark. There was a nice wooded path that took us over Fisher’s Creek. It was too short for my liking because soon we were back walking through more neighborhoods.

 

Fisher's Creek was cool. There were two bridges and a short trail

I was getting kinda tired when, all of a sudden, we were back at QFC. I hopped in the car and went to sleep. Like Cinnamon, I’m a 5k kinda dog… well, unless I see a squirrel!

Francesca's First Volksmarch of 2016 - Frenchman's Bar in Vancouver

Here I am wondering what the huge ship
was doing in the middle of the river.
And, would it do anything to scare me?

Hi. It's me, Francesca, terror of the volksmarch trail! Well, I don't think I was all that bad because I didn't have near as much fun as I wanted to!

This morning started out really good. I got my harness and leash on and Cinnamon just stayed on the couch all rolled up in a coonie ball. It had rained all night and she predicted more rain. But I didn't care. I was up for adventure, any adventure.

We got in the car and traveled all the way through Vancouver out to a huge park on the east side. Soon I saw signs to a Volksmarch! I'd been on some of those and they were fun. It meant walking and jumping on people and maybe barking at a dog or two. I could handle that.

So we parked and walked over to the registration. Brrr... it was cold. The volunteers were all wrapped up and looked absolutely miserable. But they were kind to us and registered us anyway. We got our start card and looked around. I was looking at a huge ship anchored in the Columbia River wondering what it was doing there. It looked a bit scary.

Then I spied the beach. Now, I've been to the Oregon Coast and had a great time on the beach. I pulled toward the beach and was hoping to do some wading when our friend Nancy came along. I tried jumping on her to greet her but that was quickly stopped. Drat! So we were off on the trail even if I didn't want to be on the trail.

There were all kinds of things to sniff. Garbage, goose poop, dirt and grass. But they made me keep walking straight ahead. All of a sudden I saw a dog ahead in a pink coat. Perhaps we could play? I pulled and barked and thought I should be let loose to go investigate the dog. But no.... we had to keep walking straight ahead. Then we saw our friend Walking Wendy and Lana. I wanted to jump up on Wendy but nooo, it wasn't allowed. I was getting rather bored by the time we got to the turnaround point. I was being subjected to TOO MANY RULES! No jumping, no pulling, no barking, no stopping to sniff. Grrrrr.

Despite my growing frustration with the rules, many people complimented me on my appearance. I guess I was pretty in my pink harness!

So we turned around and soon, thank goodness, we were back at the Start/Finish point. My owner got her book stamped and on the way to the parking lot, I got all wound up about a black and white dog. I barked and pulled and so did the dog. My owner was NOT PLEASED. After that I spied something on the beach. It was something I'd never seen before. I got all freaked out thinking some sort of animal was hiding inside it. But we walked on....

Once we got to the car, I was oh so good. I jumped right into my crate and slept all the way home. Volksmarches can be exhausting, especially if you don't follow the rules.

I told Cinnamon that I completed 6K and she was proud of me. I got this volksmarch listed in my "Francesca's Volksmarch Log." I didn't tell her about my behavior. And she didn't tell me what she had been doing while we were gone.

Fireworks are NOT allowed in Vancouver, Washington on New Year's Eve

After I worked so hard on a fireworks ban for the City of Vancouver. And after I celebrated when the Mayor and City Council voted to approve the ban beginning in 2017, I read this disturbing announcement from a nearby city:

The Battle Ground Chamber will have its annual fireworks stand open, and selling pyrotechnics now through Thursday, Dec. 31, at the corner of W Main St. and 12th Ave., across from Fred Meyer and Riverview Community Bank. This is one of the chamber’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and from noon to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (New Year’s Eve).

Now Battle Ground is not all that far from where I live. I wondered if they had dogs there and people who are disturbed by personal fireworks. I wondered how they could sell fireworks knowing how terrified dogs like me are when we hear the pop, bang, roar of fireworks. Is the money worth it?

Now I'm glad I live in Vancouver. In Vancouver you can't shoot off stuff on New Years Eve. It's against the law! So don't go shopping in Battle Ground and bring that horrible stuff into MY city. Why don't you stay inside and have a great little party?

Enough said,

Cinnamon the Coonhound
Executive Director
Dogs Against Fireworks

An Open Letter to Vancouver USA: To the Mayor, to the City Council and to my fellow Citizens

Executive Director
Dogs Against Fireworks

Dear Vancouver:

Last night I received the news that the Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to ban personal fireworks in 2017. I am thrilled with the news and hope that a strong educational campaign and good enforcement plan will ensue.

If anyone has missed what we went through during the "2015 Season of Terror," just click on the July archives from this blog. It's all there in gory details. I can't read it. It brings the terror back. I and all the pets of Vancouver are rejoicing. I'm sure my friends don't like being drugged for a week during 4th of July and I certainly don't want to go through building a bunker in a shower like I did this year. (I have to admit I was still scared).

I want to publicly thank Mayor Leavitt and the entire Vancouver City Council for caring enough about the health and safety (and sanity) of the people of our city (and, of course the pets).

Cruel People
I've been reading the comments in The Columbian today. There are many cruel people out there who don't care. They say they will shoot them off anyway. That it is their right. Why is it their right to do things that terrify us? Why is it their right to set things off that might cause our home to burn down? I don't understand that. Don't I have a right to a fear-free life? That's what my owner is trying to provide for me.

Fund Raisers
There are also people out there who think their rights to raising funds for schools and charities are being curtailed. Well, yes! Why would you want to sell something that might harm children and burn down people's homes. Plus, why would you want to sell something that SCARES PEOPLE AND DOGS?

How can people, in good conscience, sell these things.

I think pets have rights too. That is why we have organizations like the Southwest Washington Humane Society. They believe we have a right to a home, food and a cruelty-free life. And they are the ones to take in the animals who are running scared on the streets on the 4th of July... those that make it, anyway.

I believe I have a right to be in my own backyard over the 4th of July week. I believe I have a right to be medication free. I believe I have a right to join my family for a friendly picnic and not hear the POP, BOOM, BANG of terrifying fire works.

With rights comes social responsibility.

I believe that Vancouver USA cares. And I thank you.

Love, Cinnamon

Vancouver, WA Recycled Arts Festival: Recycled Pups

Well, I didn't get to go because it was supposed to be too hot today. But with a nice cloud cover, the Recycled Arts Festival was rather comfortable I hear. My owner had a great time and brought home pictures of this doggy mommy (is it Nora?) and her pups on a tractor. I love their floppy ears. They are hounds, certainly! It's a great event and goes on tomorrow too!

Here's one of the puppies

Here's another puppy

Here's the momma dog driving the tractor!

Here comes the hound tractor!

I think I'll name the momma Nora, after Nora the bloodhound who recently had NINE puppies!

Love, Cinnamon (who didn't get to go!)

2015 Humane Society for Southwest Washington Run and Walk for the Animals (Photos)

Well, it's over... my favorite big walk event. The 2015 Humane Society walk was even more fun than last year. One of the best things was that I saw friends I met last time and they recognized me, Cinnamon. Now I had to get up early to go. But once I got there I perked up and went begging (I call it asking nicely) for treats, got petted and learned about some new dog services and products.

Here's my photo journal of today's exciting event:

I was pre-registered but had to go here to pick up my walker packet.
I didn't get a number because I wasn't running.

Here I am in my official walker scarf.
This year they were turquoise. I like turquoise because I am from New Mexico.

Here's my friends from Battle Ground Barkery
They recognized me from last year. They are from the school program that
makes the dog treats. I went after those great treats and then, later, greeted my friends.

I'm walker Cinnamon and this is what I do!

Here's the guy from Animal Control. Here in the picture I was
telling him that I am licensed but my license was on my other collar.
I wore my Chile Pepper collar to the event so I'd look extra spiffy.
He gave me a special dispensation.

They had a special agility course set up. Dogs were running the course.
I didn't get to go in because I'm not all that good.
However, the Clark Dog Paw dog parks have courses and I
get to do them when I visit the dog parks.

This model was showing how comfortable the dog beds were.

I eyed the purple bed on the bottom but my
owner wouldn't buy one for me.

Look who I saw at the walk event... My dentist!
Here's Dr. Meyers from Forever Pet Dental. She was really happy to see me.
I made sure I kept my mouth closed so she wouldn't look at my teeth, though.
She gave me a Greenie anyway. Yay!

This is the Forever Pet Dental booth.
I found out they have expanded and are going to
offer general vet services soon!

My owner was very interested in Unsinkable Dogs.
Ever since I got my life jacket she's been talking about swimming.
I am still not all that sure about swimming.

They even let kids into the walk event!

Here I am at the start point waiting for the walk to start.
Notice how well behaved I am. I think
I had too many treats from the vendors.

Yep, I had too many treats. I was about to fall asleep waiting for
the walk to start. I looked spiffy in my turquoise scarf, though.

And we were off... walking along the Columbia River
I saw these fishing boats and thought I might like to go salmon fishing!

Here are some of the walkers. There were lots of dogs and people.

In less than an hour the race was over and I was back in the car.
Here I am watching the rest of the walkers go by. I got finished
pretty quickly. I was fast during the first half and
was tired during the second half.

Here I am on the way home.
Tired Cinnamon!

I hope the Humane Society for Southwest Washington made lots of money. It sure was a great event. I am looking forward to 2016!

Here's my photos from 2014.

More Information
Humane Society for SW Washington

Cinnamon is available to review your products and services and/or visit your Clark County business. Just e-mail her.

Vancouver, Washington Renaissance Trail: Tidewater Cove Open Again!

Here I am waiting to start the walk.

I was so excited. Today we were going to walk on the newly re-opened Tidewater Cove section of the Vancouver Renaissance Trail. Last time I was there, the trail was still closed. I looked at the storm damage and wondered if it ever would open again.

But today, the new, wide, concrete trail was OPEN. We walked with our friend Walking Wendy and the rainclouds parted for us. We started our walk at the Vancouver Water Resources Education Center. There were some kids from the Battle Ground Schools cleaning up the trail (just for me, right?).

We kept walking past the kids (they all thought I was cute!) and headed out on the new section right along the Columbia River. That was the Tidewater Cove part. There were new plantings and new rocks shoring up the land leading to the Mighty Columbia River.

Hre I am on the new part of the trail.

We walked along and went out on the point where Kelley's Bench is. I didn't rest on it this time but I considered taking a break because the sun was coming out. It was actually warm.

Then we kept walking to the end of the trail. I got to go on the beach by the river and sniff around. We hiked along the beach and then back up to the paved trail.

It was a beautiful day. The humans complained that the restrooms weren't open but that didn't bother me one little bit!

Any kind of a beach is a good beach in my book!

I was just happy to have MORE TRAIL along the river.

Love, Walker Cinnamon

Moving trade-offs: New Park

Well today I explored the park across the street. My new neighborhood is like a park... full of trees. But in the actual public park there are lots of trees and a few smells to sniff. It isn't as big as the Burnt Bridge Creek Parkway which was the closest park to my old house. And it lacks ponds, rabbits, frogs and the like. I miss the creek, dipping my paws in the soothing water on a hot day and the expectation of finding a rabbit on the path.

Here I am in the park hoping to spy a few squirrels

Such is moving. I love my new house with the BIG BACKYARD but I had to give up the best park ever. So I have a little park to explore. It's one of those suburban city parks.

Here's the park and the SHORT trail.

What I found out today was that there were NO SQUIRRELS IN THE PARK! I figured out why. There are many squirrels in my yard just across the street. The lady who lives behind us feeds peanuts to the squirrels. So why live in a park? They just live close to their food source.

Here's a pile of branches from the last storm. It's worth a sniff or two.

Well, that's ok but know what they do with the peanuts? They litter my yard with the shells. And they bury some in my yard digging little holes. Of course when I find the whole peanuts, I dig them back up and EAT THEM!

So the park is different (that's a nice way of putting it). There are quite a few trees. There is a playground for small humans and a bench or two.

Here's the playground for small humans.

I love my new house and my yard but am only slowly adjusting to the teeny park in my neighborhood.

Thats all for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Love, Cinnamon

Art Dog Does the Studio Tour

Hi Guys. It's me, Cinnamon. Since I was born in Santa Fe, NM, I am quite an art aficionado. I used to hang out on Canyon Road before I was adopted and then later on in life, I got to walk with my owner up and down the art-filled road.

So, since my owner has been so BUSY lately, I haven't gotten out much. I was getting restless. So I begged her to take me on the Clark County Open Studio Tour in Vancouver, WA. It was a good time to be out and about. It was kind of misty, so I didn't mind skipping the dog park. I just lazed in the car when we visited the studios, looked around and thought my own thoughts about decorating my new room!

So when we drove down a beautiful street full of fall colors, I paid attention. I thought I might peek in the studio windows and find some art.

The fall leaves were beautiful. You could follow the art trail by looking for these blue signs.

 Our first stop was Rebecca Seymour's studio and home. It was bright and airy and there were a couple of dogs in the studio who invited me in. I didn't even get out of the car. And for doing that, the dogs got put back in the house. Drat!

I rather liked this tree painting. Notice the dog bed in the window. Lucky dog!

I could see some of the art and thought the tree painting might be a great piece for my new room. What do you think?

So after that, my owner walked over to Anne John's studio. This was also a beautiful light-filled space with views of the trees and garden. I stayed in the car but noticed a dog looking down at us. I think the dog was sad that it was Open Studio time and she had to stay locked in an upstairs bedroom.

Poor, sad dog!

Anyway, Anne does a lot of paintings with animals in them. I liked this one because I LOVE TO SCARE CROWS. I had the crows in New Mexico so afraid of me they wouldn't fly over the adobe wall because I would chase them. Once I even barked at the crows up in the trees on my street. Crows are for chasing. Don't  you think I should get this painting for my room?

I love scaring crows. This piece reminds me of that.

So after all the art, I got to get out of the car and walk up the street. I didn't sniff around much but I sure enjoyed all the fall foliage. I am glad I got to go somewhere FINALLY!

Here I am taking a little stroll. I think the trees were art!

So that was my day on the Open Studio Art Tour. I had fun, even though I didn't get out and run or sniff much. Just being somewhere new makes me happy!

I think I'll take a nap now after all that excitement.

Love, Artsy Cinnamon