Before you spark up, know where fireworks are banned in western Washington

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

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

Below are cities in Western Washington where setting off fireworks has been banned entirely. Selling fireworks could also be banned in cities that have nixed them.

• Arlington (potential $513 fine)
• Bellevue (permit required)
• Bellingham (civil infraction and a potential fine between $250 to $1,000)
• Bothell (only sparklers and novelty devices on July 4 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.)
• 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 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.")
• 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: All fireworks banned except professional permitted shows.
• Seattle (permit required for certain fireworks)
• Shoreline
• Snohomish County: Banned in county parks and in southwest Snohomish County. South County Fire hands out free signs about the fireworks ban for people to place in their yards. Starting in 2025, the sale of fireworks will also be banned.
• Steilacoom
• Tacoma: Violations could result in s $513 fine. Violations can be reported to 253-287-4455.
• Tumwater
• Woodway