The Washington State Patrol (WSP) enforces state fireworks laws (see Chapter 70.77 RCW and Chapter 212-17 WAC). For general information on fireworks, licensing and fireworks laws for emergency services, visit WSP`s Fireworks page. McJunkins agreed that safety is a top priority, but said fireworks should be allowed throughout the state. “We decided it would be more harmful to the city of Cleveland Heights,” said Kahlil Seren, Mayor of Cleveland Heights. “Limiting the use of fireworks by individuals is one of the steps we will take to make our people safer.” 7. No adult other than the person who lights, discharges or uses consumer fireworks shall be within 25 feet of a consumer fireworks that is lit, discharged or used, and no minor shall be within 50 feet of a consumer fireworks that is lit, unloaded or used, unless that adult or minor is on their own neighbouring property. Any person in control of the property that allows an adult or minor to violate this subsection is also in violation of this subsection. The Community Board of Directors hereby determines that a motivating factor for the use of consumer fireworks is the presence and reaction of spectators, and that the purpose of this subsection is to discourage family members, neighbours, guests, passers-by and passers-by from gathering too close to the use of consumer fireworks, thus exposing themselves to possible injury by any person. which is permitted under state law to set off fireworks for consumer use without regulating those activities.
This paragraph shall be interpreted generously in order to achieve the objective of protecting spectators from possible damage. RCW 70.77.395 specifies the authorized dates and times for the sale or dumping of fireworks, as shown in the table below. However, this does not apply to tribal areas. State law governs the regulation of fireworks, including the licensing of fireworks for public fireworks and fireworks vendors, and when fireworks can be fired. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries and deaths in the U.S. have increased by about 50% during the pandemic. There are license exceptions for the purchase and use of certain agricultural and wildlife fireworks by government agencies and for the purchase of consumer fireworks by religious or private organizations for “religious or specific purposes,” subject to approval by the local fire department officer (RCW 70.77.311). Any other ordinance not promulgated in accordance with the law that does not directly or specifically address the use of consumer fireworks will continue to apply and may be enforced at any time of the year, including the day before, during or the day after a national holiday. The following ordinances completely prohibit fireworks, with the exception of public displays, religious activities, private events, and agricultural and wildlife uses. Important: According to RCW 70.77.250(4), local ordinances restricting the sale or dumping of fireworks or prohibiting their sale and discharge cannot come into force until one year after they are passed.
However, some jurisdictions have also implemented emergency fireworks bans during periods of high fire risk, as explained below. Cities and counties may charge a fee for the sale of fireworks and shows sufficient to cover all legitimate costs up to the maximum amounts prescribed in RCW 70.77.555. (2) Under state law, no person shall light, unload or use such fireworks on public property, school grounds, church property or property of another person without the express permission of that organization or person to use such fireworks on such premises. “Someone else`s property” includes hotel and motel properties, apartment buildings, rental properties including duplexes, townhouses or affiliated quad bikes, and condos where an owner, management company or association has or retains authority and control over the use of the property or common areas. Every person who contravenes this subsection is liable for a municipal civil offence under sections 1 to 7. A person who receives a civil criminal complaint for a violation of this paragraph and commits another violation of this paragraph within 72 hours of the first violation is guilty of an offence punishable under article 38 (2). Some jurisdictions have used non-binding consultation votes to get citizen feedback on whether or not to ban consumer fireworks. Current examples can be found in our Local Voting Measures Database.
(Click Search by Keyword and enter Fireworks.) (f) fireworks. Any composition or apparatus, other than a starter gun, flare, or flare, intended to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration or detonation.
