Firework Sales Begin In Washington

SEATTLE — Firework sales have begun in Washington. But, if you're going to buy some, you'll want to know when and where you can legally set them off, as their use has been heavily restricted to prevent wildfires.

Consumer firework sales are only legal in the Evergreen State from noon on June 28, through 9 p.m. on July 5. They can only be bought at permitted fireworks stands. This year, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office says it has only issued licenses to 607 retail fireworks stands — down from 633 last year.

Firecrackers, missiles, bottle rockets, M-80's and M-100s are illegal in Washington state, though revelers can still buy mortars, roman candles, spinners, and sparklers, among others.

Officials urge caution

While Washington residents are allowed to legally discharge fireworks in a number of places, officials are urging them to use extreme caution before setting them off. Washington is in for an above-average fire season, and the prolonged drought and recent heat wave have the vegetation primed for wildfires.

Last year fireworks set 360 fires in Washington, causing more than $1,300,000 in damages, according to the Washington State Patrol. To avoid sparking up fires, try not to light fireworks unless winds are low, and have a bucket of water on hand to quickly douse any that get out of hand. Also make sure to douse all fireworks after using them to prevent a trash fire.

Of course, fireworks can also hurt people if handled improperly. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says that last year fireworks were responsible for 237 injuries, including 109 burns and 88 incidents in which someone was hit by a firework or debris. The Fire Marshal's Office is reminding everyone to never light fireworks in your hand, and never use them indoors. They also recommend sticking to one firework at a time.

With that out of the way, here is a look at when and where legal fireworks are allowed to be discharged in Western Washington.

Statewide discharge restrictions

State law limits restricts firework use to between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on June 29 through July 3. On the 4th of July, they can be discharged until midnight. On July 5, fireworks can be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Finally, fireworks are also illegal on all city, county and state parks, as well as all land managed by the Department of Natural Resources.

King County

County leaders have passed a law banning the use of all consumer fireworks of any kind in unincorporated King County. However, that law doesn't go into effect until next year, meaning they are still technically permitted this holiday season.

However, they are fully banned in most cities, including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton, SeaTac, and Shoreline.

Pierce County

Fireworks can be set off in unincorporated Pierce County, but discharge times are more restrictive than statewide regulations. They can be set off:

• July 1-3, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• July 4, between 10 a.m. and midnight.
• July 5, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Many other Pierce County communities have set their own timeframes.

In Lakewood, fireworks are only allowed between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. July 3-5. Next year, they will only be allowed on the fourth.

Gig Harbor allows for fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 1-3 and until midnight on the 4th, but like Lakewood will begin restricting fireworks to just the 4th next year.

In Bonney Lake, fireworks can only be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight on the 4th. Neighboring Sumner restricts them further, from noon until midnight on the 4th.

Puyallup allows for fireworks between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., again only on July 4th.

Fireworks are totally banned in Tacoma, Steilacoom, and at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

>> Read more firework safety guidance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office