Washington’s fireworks law is complex and fragmented—with statewide timeframes influenced by local bans, city-level enforcement, and permit requirements. Our Althauser Rayan Abbarno attorneys can help guide clients through the administrative, civil, and criminal laws—whether it’s public agencies, event organizers, property managers, or individuals injured due to the negligence of others.
🏛️ Statewide Framework (RCW 70.77 & WAC 212.17)
Time-limited sales and use windows
According to RCW 70.77.395, consumer fireworks may be sold during specific periods:
- June 28: 12 pm–11 pm
- June 29–July 4: 9 am–11 pm (July 4 sales until 11 pm)
- July 5: 9 am–9 pm
- Dec 27–31: 12 pm–11 pm reddit.com+14app.leg.wa.gov+14pyrolandfireworks.com+14piercecountywa.gov
Allowed discharge times:
- June 28: 12 pm–11 pm
- June 29–July 3: 9 am–11 pm
- July 4: 9 am–12 am
- July 5: 9 am–11 pm
- Dec 31–Jan 1: 6 pm–1 am
Firework classifications:
Only “common fireworks” (Class C 1.4G – e.g., fountains, ground spinners, novelties) are legal. Items like sky rockets, firecrackers, bottle rockets, reloadable mortars, and larger aerial devices are prohibited statewide.
Licensing & compliance:
Retailers, wholesalers, event operators, and pyrotechnic professionals must obtain appropriate licenses from the WA State Fire Marshal, with fees ranging from $5 (operators) to $1,500 (manufacturers).
Age requirements:
Customers must be at least 16 years old and present valid photo ID to purchase fireworks .
Home rule under RCW 70.77.250(4):
Cities and counties may enact ordinances to further restrict or ban fireworks, but such ordinances generally only take effect one year after adoption
📍 Thurston County
- Unincorporated Thurston County allows fireworks discharge July 3–4, 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Cities like Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater enforce complete bans—no fireworks sale or discharge, even during legal windows
- County has a fireworks display permit process for public events
- The county code authorizes the county manager, consulting with fire authorities, to issue emergency fireworks bans during high fire risk
🧯 Lewis County
- The county follows state law—fireworks may be discharged during standard state windows (typically 9 a.m.–11 p.m. June 29–July 5)
- No blanket county-wide ban in unincorporated areas, but the Fire Marshal encourages fire safety best practices during dry conditions .
- Local city policies may differ—clients should check municipal ordinances for specific zones.
🌲 Clark County
- In unincorporated Clark County, fireworks discharge is permitted only during state windows; all other times require a permit .
- City of Vancouver enforces a total ban on fireworks sale and use. Violations incur civil fines starting at $500
- Other cities (e.g., Battle Ground, Washougal, Camas, Ridgefield, Woodland) maintain varied rules:
- Battle Ground: licensed fireworks stands operate July 1–4.
- Washougal, Camas, Ridgefield: allow discharge within restricted hours and impose civil fines for violations .
- Woodland: discharge allowed under standard state windows
🏞️ Cowlitz County
- County ordinance mandates state-aligned sale and discharge periods, but requires written permission from the County Director to possess or discharge fireworks in county parks or facilities.
- General window:
- June 28: noon–11 p.m.
- June 29–July 3: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
- July 4: 9 a.m.–midnight (Kalama limits to 11 p.m.)
- July 5: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Retail sellers in unincorporated county require permits under Cowlitz County Code Chapter 7.20.
- Kalama city enforces earlier cutoff on July 4 for fireworks use.
🧩 Comparative Table
| County | Unincorp Use | Major City Rules | Permits / Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurston | July 3–4, 9 a.m.–11 p.m. | Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater banned | County display permits; emergency bans allowed |
| Lewis | State law standard | Check city codes | Fire Marshal safety advisories |
| Clark | State windows | Vancouver bans entirely; other cities vary | County permits; city-level fines & enforcement |
| Cowlitz | State windows + park permits | Kalama stricter cutoff | Retailer + use permits required |
🧭 Legal & Advisory Recommendations
- Home Rule Dynamics: Counties and cities can enact stricter ordinances, but changes may take effect only 1 year after adoption under RCW 70.77.250.
- Emergency Bans: Sharp fire-season risk may trigger temporary county/city bans—legal clients should monitor fire danger advisories.
- Permitting Needs: Public displays, retail stands, and park usage require county or municipal permits—Althauser Rayan Abbarno can assist with navigating applications and compliance.
- Enforcement & Liability: Violations draw fines (e.g., Vancouver: $500+, Washougal: up to $1,000) and possible confiscation. Civil liability may arise from property damage or injuries.
- HOA & Lease Implications: With patchwork rules across jurisdictions, HOAs and landlords should clearly define obligations and allowable fireworks in covenants and leasing documents.
- Civil and criminal penalties:
- Illegal use or sale may result in fines, confiscation, misdemeanor charges, or even felony charges (for explosive or altered fireworks).
- Consumers’ liability:
- Individuals may be held civilly liable for any property damage or injuries if fireworks impact areas outside their property.
🔹 Key Takeaways for Clients
Emergency flexibility—authorities may enact burn-ban-related restrictions at short notice during fire-prone periods.
Strict timing rules—fireworks sales and use are only legal during precise windows around July 4th and New Year’s Eve.
Legal vs. illegal fireworks—only approved consumer-grade products (Class C, non-aerial, under 100 g) are permitted.
Local variation—jurisdictions may have bans, even during state‑allowed windows; check local code.
Permit and age requirements—retailers need licensing; buyers must be 16+ with ID.
Enforcement measures—violations can trigger fines, confiscations, or criminal charges; private parties may be held liable for damages.
📜 Conclusion
Washington State maintains a tight regulatory regime governing fireworks—pinpointed seasonal use, licensing, and strict product definitions—while allowing local flexibility for stricter rules or emergency bans. Clients must navigate both state statutes and local ordinances, particularly in fire-sensitive areas.
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