Fireworks Charges in Washington State

Washington Firework Regulations

Fireworks are legal in Washington state under RCW 70.77.111 when used in compliance with regulatory state laws. However, some cities and counties have more restrictive firework laws or ordinances. For example, in the Spokane area there are different firework restrictions for each city. In the following areas fireworks are always banned, even during the 4^th of July sales period: Cheney, Fairfield, Latah, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Spangle, Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Waverly. Some counties allow fireworks during the 4^th of July sales and discharge period, these are Deer Park and Medical Lake. Click here to check if and when fireworks are allowed in your area. However, keep in mind that the health crisis could likely affect this information and you should check your specific county for changes. In other parts of Washington, such as the entire city of Seattle, fireworks are completely banned with no exception for the 4^th of July.

There are some types of fireworks that are federally legal, but are banned on a state level in Washington. These are: firecrackers, sky rocket and missiles, and bottle rockets. Additionally, because these types of fireworks are federally legal, they can be used on Indian Reservations throughout the state without violating state law.

Unlawful Use of Fireworks

One of the most common violations involving firework usage is RCW 70.77.488, Unlawful Discharge of fireworks. This is the discharge or use of fireworks in a reckless manner which creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another. If charged with Unlawful Discharge of a firework, you could be facing a gross misdemeanor. This is punishable by a maximum of 364 days imprisonment, a fine of no more than $5,000, or both a fine and imprisonment.

There are several other firework charges that are less common. These are: unlawful possession of fireworks (penalty can be a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor), unlawful sales or transfers of display fireworks (penalty is a gross misdemeanor), unlawful sales or transfers of consumer fireworks (penalty is a gross misdemeanor), unlawful transportation of fireworks (penalty is a gross misdemeanor), and unlawful fire nuisance permittance where fireworks are kept (penalty is a misdemeanor).

Will the Health Crisis Impact 4^th of July Firework Celebrations?

In light of the health crisis, Spokane has yet to announce whether the 2020 Riverfront Park Carnival and 4^th of July Firework Celebration will be cancelled. However, Coeur d’Alene, ID, has already cancelled the firework event for 4^th of July, but tentatively plans to move forward with a modified parade celebration. This is because Idaho is currently scheduled to be out of Phase 4 of the Rebound Plan by July 4^th this year. Comparatively, Washington will not start Phase 3 until June 12^th, and will continue to ban social gatherings for more than 50 people.