In 2018, the city of Pasco lifted the long-standing ban on fireworks. The new regulations allow the use of fireworks during the few days around the fourth of July, but only certain types of devices are allowed. 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. Roske says it`s best to buy your fireworks at a booth in Pasco, as they`re only allowed to sell fireworks approved for use in Pasco. 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.) Only buy legal fireworks at a licensed store, kiosk or tent. In addition to illegal state fireworks, all antennas, fireworks, smoke bombs, Roman candles, chasers, airspinners, jumping jacks, ground spinners, and mines or stands are illegal in Benton County. Always wear goggles when setting off fireworks. Do not aim or throw fireworks at another person.

Never place any part of your body directly over fireworks. When you`re done, leave used fireworks for at least 20 minutes, soak them in water, drain them, place them in a plastic bag, and throw them outside in a covered trash can. Use fireworks only outdoors outside buildings on a flat, flat, hard, flame retardant surface that is free of debris. Keep a garden hose or bucket of water handy. (8) There shall be no accumulation of dry grass, paper, cardboard, garbage, wood or other combustible material within 100 feet of a fireworks site. In addition, it can be argued that RCW 70.77.250(4) does not affect the ability of local governments to impose emergency restrictions or prohibitions in response to extreme heat, drought or other circumstances that would make the launching of fireworks unreasonably dangerous. Some jurisdictions have issued ordinances that come into effect after the one-year legal waiting period in RCW 70.77.250(4) authorizing certain officials (such as the mayor, county council, sheriff, or fire marshal) to prohibit fireworks under emergency conditions such as high fire risk. This page provides an overview of Washington State local government authority to regulate fireworks, including relevant state laws, permits, and licenses, the date and time fireworks can be sold or unloaded, emergency fireworks bans, and examples of local ordinances and advisory votes. Similarly, the town of Snoqualmie produced a document that showed which fireworks are considered illegal within the city limits.

If there is a fire or medical problem related to the use of fireworks, call 911. 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). The following ordinances completely prohibit fireworks, with the exception of public displays, religious activities, private events, and agricultural and wildlife uses. (13) No person shall smoke or fire fireworks within 100 feet of a fireworks display. This list is not exhaustive and is only intended to include political examples. The Washington State Fire Marshal`s Office used to keep a list of cities and counties with fireworks restrictions and bans, but abandoned that list. There is no clear law on this issue, so local governments must assess the potential legal risks of an emergency response that restricts or prohibits the firing of fireworks. Richland and Benton City are the only cities that sell legal fireworks set off in unincorporated areas of Benton County. Although West Richland has fireworks stands, some of the fireworks sold in West Richland (as well as Pasco and Burbank) are illegal in unincorporated areas of Benton County. Fireworks can only be fired in unincorporated areas of Benton County on the following days and times: “We did a lot of education, did a lot of warnings, our officers were there to try to educate the public about what is legal and what is not, where to light them.

Now that we`ve done that, we`re going to focus more on law enforcement,” Roske said. 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. 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. Cities and counties can, by ordinance, further restrict the days and times on which fireworks can be sold and unloaded, or even ban the sale and unloading of fireworks altogether, but local regulations cannot be less restrictive than state law. Below are selected examples of cities or counties that have enacted ordinances that are more restrictive than state fireworks laws, including those that completely ban fireworks. Many are preparing for the 4th of July, and that usually means fireworks. Our local fire managers also give us some important tips on lighting and the use of fireworks. The Washington State Fire Marshal`s Office has two documents that can help identify legal and illegal fireworks: (7) There must be at least two exits from all temporary grandstands and structures from which fireworks are sold.

Both exits must be clear and open from the ground at a height of at least six feet. (11) The fireworks licensee shall distribute safety documentation approved by the Fire Marshal of the City of Pasco for each sale of fireworks. The Fire Marshal may require that approved safety signs be posted in conspicuous places at any fireworks display. However, state law leaves some leeway for local regulations, such as when fireworks can be sold or unloaded. Cities and counties can even ban the sale and firing of fireworks altogether. If you see someone violating fireworks laws in Benton or Franklin counties, you can call 628-0333. On Sunday afternoon, June 28, fireworks can be sold and unloaded in Benton County. All fireworks are prohibited in Kennewick, Prosser, Connell and Franklin counties. (14) A list of fireworks that may be sold to the public and approved for sale in the Town of Pasco in accordance with RCW 70.77.580 shall be posted at each fireworks outlet. It is unclear whether local governments have the authority to impose an immediate ban on fireworks during times of high fire risk. In addition to obtaining a state license, RCW 70.77.260(1) states that anyone wishing to manufacture, import, sell, or transport fireworks must also obtain a local permit issued by a city or county before engaging in these activities.

(12) It is unlawful for a person or entity to sell or provide fireworks to persons under the age of 16 unless the person is under the direct supervision of an adult (18 years of age or older). At each fireworks outlet, signs must be clearly posted stating that local fireworks ordinances that are more restrictive than state law cannot take effect until one year after they are passed. RCW 70.77.401 prohibits the sale or offer for sale of the following types of fireworks: State law governs the regulation of fireworks, including legal requirements for fireworks, licensing of public fireworks and sellers of fireworks, and when fireworks can be fired. However, fireworks remain illegal in much of Benton County and Franklin County, with the exception of the towns of Richland, West Richland, and Pasco. “In Pasco, fireworks that are legal are basically anything that doesn`t explode,” said Deputy Chief Constable Ken Roske of the Pasco Police Department. “Everything that remains on the ground and is approved by the state fire marshal. The State Patrol has a list of approved fireworks. 5.

Fireworks stands may display no-smoking signs in red lettering, at least two inches high, on a white background. All signs must be maintained in a legible condition and must be affixed in such a way that they are clearly visible and legible at least 20 feet from where the fireworks are sold or stored. [C] Consumer fireworks classified as celestial rockets or rocket-like rockets, fireworks, firearm salutes, or pursuers as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission, unless otherwise specified in RCW 70.77.311. There are also plenty of opportunities to see public fireworks, including the River of Fire Festival and the 4th of July Grand Old celebration.