Fireworks
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) regulates fireworks manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, general display and pyrotechnic operator licensees for statutory compliance. This includes any business entity or person licensed or not who engages in fireworks regulated activities by RCW 70.77 and WAC 212-17.
The relevant statutes and rules authorize the SFMO to deny fireworks licenses, take administrative action, and impose civil penalties against violators of the fireworks laws and rules.
Fireworks Information for Consumers
The sale and discharge of fireworks is restricted to certain times around the July 4th Holiday and New Year’s Eve. Local jurisdictions may further restrict the sale and discharge of fireworks in their areas. Always check with your local jurisdiction for legal use of fireworks in your area.
Complaints about fireworks use should be directed to your local law enforcement agency.
Fireworks Licensing
In Washington State, any person who desires to engage in the manufacture, importation, sale, or use of fireworks in a public display must be licensed by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.
There are four types of fireworks licenses that are issued by the State Fire Marshal’s Office:
- Fireworks Company Licensing (Importer, Manufacturer, Wholesaler)
- General Display License
- Pyrotechnic Operator License
- Retail Sales from Individuals
- Retail Sales from Wholesalers
- Public Fireworks Display Report
- Generic Public Fireworks Display Permit
- Generic Retail Fireworks (CFRS) Permit
If you need a copy of your renewal form, please email fireworks@wsp.wa.gov. Renewals do not apply to retail stands.
Public Fireworks Display Report
Public Display Site Inspection Checklist
Information on obtaining a fireworks exemption permit is available upon request by emailing fireworks@wsp.wa.gov.
The relevant statutes and rules authorize the SFMO to deny fireworks licenses, take administrative action, and impose civil penalties against violators of the fireworks laws and rules.
RCW 70.77 State Fireworks Law
WAC 212-17 Fireworks
RCW 70.74 Washington State Explosives Act
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) regulates fireworks licensees for statutory compliance only. This includes any business entity or person licensed or not who engages in fireworks regulated activities by RCW 70.77 and WAC 212-17. Complaints about fireworks use should be directed to the local law enforcement agency.
The SFMO initiates action when there has been a complaint from the public, an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), federal and state agencies, or when the SFMO has concerns about the licensee.
Depending on the facts, the SFMO notifies the company or individual about the investigation and scope of the complaint in writing. If the violation involves unlicensed activities, the SFMO will also send a Cease and Desist Order.
Once the investigation is complete, the SFMO sends a letter with a civil penalty notice. The letter explains the charges in detail and the results of the investigation. Once the business or individual receives the letter and penalty notice, the recipient must either pay the fine or appeal the action.
Within the letter will be instructions regarding the timeframe in which a recipient has to appeal the action through either an informal conference (WAC 212-17-480) or formal hearing process (WAC 212-17-485).
Fireworks Information for Emergency Services
In Washington State, any person who desires to engage in the manufacture, importation, sale, or use of fireworks in a public display must be licensed by the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office.
These forms are used by fire service agencies and hospital emergency rooms to report fireworks caused fires and injuries. These forms should be completed and emailed, faxed, or traditionally mailed at the earliest convenience.
Fireworks caused fire and injury reporting may be submitted through NFIRS. The NFIRS Fireworks Incident Coding guidelines are provided to make reporting easier.
Fire Service Partners and Stakeholders,
The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office will be hosting fireworks retail stand and public display inspection training this year at two locations:
* Date/Time: Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, 0900-1600 Kittitas Event Center 901 E 7th Avenue, #1, Ellensburg, WA 98926 – Manastash Room.
* Date/Time: Thursday, May 8th, 2025, 0900-1600 Chehalis Tribe Community Center 461 Secena Road, Oakville, WA 98568
* Fee: No Cost
* Prerequisites: Must be 18 years or older
The course is designed to familiarize AHJ’s with how to conduct a retail stand inspection, recognize the difference between legal and illegal fireworks, and how a fireworks display is setup and fired.
More information and how to sign up will be updated soon.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Chad Cross
State Fire Marshal
WSP – Fire Protection Bureau
These materials are available to law enforcement and fire service agencies. Agencies are invited to download these materials in support of their local fireworks safety campaigns. If printed materials are desired, agencies are invited to email fireworks@wsp.wa.gov
Illegal Fireworks and Explosives Poster
Setbacks and Required Signage CFRS Facility
Fireworks Stand List Legal and Illegal
Fireworks Stand Requirements
Fireworks Activity Guide
Fireworks Handle with Care Infographic
Reporting Illegal Fireworks Activities Form
Fireworks Restricted Sales and Discharge Periods
For Public Service Agencies that would like media release templates for local campaigns or retail stand inspection forms, email fireworks@wsp.wa.gov, and we will provide instructions on how to access those documents.