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Before you spark up, know where Western Washington bans fireworks

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Stephanie McCabe / Unsplash

The Fourth of July means fireworks for many people across Western Washington.

And fireworks generally mean a lot of anxiety for the region's fire departments and emergency rooms, which is why many cities and counties have banned them, such as Seattle, Tacoma, and unincorporated King County. Authorities are urging caution because of the heightened wildfire danger.

RELATED: Where to see 4th of July fireworks shows around Western Washington 2023

See a larger list of places where fireworks have been banned below.

Fireworks sales began in Washington state Wednesday, June 28 and will continue through July 5. While consumer sales are allowed during this time, rules for discharging fireworks vary around the state.

Fireworks bans in Western Washington

Many cities may have fireworks restrictions, such as limited times when fireworks are allowed. Check with your local city, county, or fire department.

Below are cities in Western Washington where fireworks bans have been implemented. It is often also illegal to sell fireworks in areas where they are banned.

  • Arlington
  • Bellevue (permit required)
  • Bellingham
  • Bothell
  • Brier
  • Edmonds
  • Everett
  • Fircrest
  • Gold Bar
  • Greenwater
  • Issaquah
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)
  • Kenmore
  • Kent
  • King County: Banned in unincorporated areas. King County fireworks complaints can be reported by calling 206-848-0800.
  • Kirkland
  • Lacey
  • Lake Forest Park
  • Lynnwood
  • Marysville
  • Mercer Island (Discharge of legal “safe and sane” fireworks is allowable ONE DAY ONLY on July 4 from 11am to 11pm.")
  • Mill Creek
  • Mountlake Terrace
  • Mukilteo
  • Olympia
  • Pierce County: Banned in county and state parks, including Crystal Mountain. Pierce County fireworks complaints can be reported by calling 253-287-4455.
  • Redmond
  • Renton
  • Ruston
  • Sammamish
  • Seattle (permit required for certain fireworks)
  • Shoreline
  • Snohomish County: Banned in county parks and in southwest Snohomish County
  • Steilacoom
  • Tacoma
  • Tumwater
  • Woodway
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