Pierce County, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- July 4 hours
- 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
- New Year window
- Dec 31 6 p.m.-Jan 1 1 a.m.
- Governing code
- PCC 17C.60.230
- Fire-danger ban
- Fire Marshal may prohibit
Summary
Unincorporated Pierce County sharply limits consumer fireworks under PCC 17C.60.230. Discharge is legal only on July 4 (10 a.m.-11:59 p.m.) and New Year's Eve into New Year's Day. The Fire Marshal may ban them entirely during fire danger.
In unincorporated Pierce County, no person shall discharge any fireworks except between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on July 4, and between 6:00 p.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Pierce County adopted its own fireworks ordinance that is stricter than Washington's statewide default. In unincorporated areas, consumer fireworks may be discharged only between 10:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on July 4, and between 6:00 p.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1. Sales are similarly restricted to specific June/July and December windows. Many incorporated cities within the county (including Tacoma) ban consumer fireworks outright, so a firework legal in one place may be illegal a block away. The Fire Marshal, with the County Executive, can issue a temporary discharge ban during Red Flag Warnings or elevated regional fire risk. Licensed public displays require a separate permit under PCC 17C.60.240.
Violations & Fines
Discharging fireworks outside the allowed dates and hours is a Class 1 civil infraction and may carry criminal penalties; illegal or unpermitted display fireworks draw larger fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I light fireworks any day around July 4?
Are fireworks legal inside Tacoma?
Can the county cancel fireworks for fire risk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
How Pierce County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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