Is it legal to launch fireworks in Tacoma, Pierce County? Here’s what local law says
June is coming to an end, which means people across Pierce County are looking for the best way to enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July.
While some people prefer public firework shows, others might want to set off fireworks of their own. Tacoma has strict laws against firework use outside of permitted public displays, but the rules are different across the county. Here’s what you need to know.
Is it legal to set off fireworks in Tacoma?
It is never legal to purchase, possess or set off personal fireworks of any kind in Tacoma, according to the City of Tacoma website. Anyone caught with fireworks within city limits is subject to a fine of $513.
According to the City of Tacoma website, fireworks were first banned in 1992 after a dry spring, but the City Council decided to completely ban fireworks the following spring “due to the inherent danger that fireworks pose to community members and property.” The City Council voted to keep the fireworks ban in place in May 1998.
Instead of shooting off your own explosives and risking getting fined, celebrate Independence Day by attending the Tacoma Summer Blast from noon to 10:30 p.m. at Ruston Way Waterfront.
Fife, Lakewood and Gig Harbor fireworks
Fife allows any consumer firework deemed legal by the state to be set off on the following dates:
June 28: Noon to 11 p.m.
June 29-July 3: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight
July 5: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Selling, possessing and/or using illegal fireworks in the City of Fife is an arrestable offense with up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000, according to the city’s website.
Lakewood only allows fireworks that are deemed legal by the Washington State Patrol. Legal fireworks can only be discharged between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4.
Gig Harbor does not allow the sale, possession or use of fireworks within city limits and violators can be fined $1,000, according to the city’s Municipal Code.
Reporting firework violations
The City of Tacoma and the City of Fife advise that people reporting firework violations or complaints call South Sound 911’s non-emergency line at 253-287-4455 or use the online reporting tool that is available starting starting June 28 at 6 AM through 6 AM on July 7.
Is it legal to set off fireworks in Pierce County?
Fireworks are allowed unincorporated Pierce County between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on July 4, but are only allowed to be discharged on private property and with permission of the property owner.
What types of consumer fireworks are legal in WA?
State law defines consumer fireworks as “any small firework device designed to produce visible effects by combustion” that comply with U.S. consumer safety standards, and gives Washington State Patrol the power to interpret which fireworks meet these criteria.
According to WSP, the following types of consumer fireworks are legal in the state (if allowed by city laws):
Cylindrical fountains
Helicopters and aerial spinners
Cone fountains
Smoke devices
Roman candles
Parachutes
Wheels
Mines, shells and cakes
Ground spinners
Reloadable mortars
Sparklers
Firecrackers, sky rockets and missiles, and bottle rockets, are illegal in Washington state outside of Indian reservations, even though they’re considered legal by federal law.
Owning or using M-80s, tennis ball bombs, cherry bombs or altered fireworks is considered a criminal offense.
Even if you’re otherwise following state regulations, it’s illegal to use fireworks in a way that “creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another.”
Firework safety tips
If you’re going to use consumer fireworks, the National Safety Council recommends using them away from people, houses or any flammable material, keeping them away from young children, wearing protective goggles, never using fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and keeping water at hand to extinguish any potential fire, among other tips. You can find a full list of its firework safety tips on its website.
