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Skagit County, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Retail sale window
June 15 through July 9 only
Display permit lead time
15 days written application to Sheriff
Max penalty
$100 fine or 30 days in jail
Applies
Unincorporated Skagit County only
Burn-ban authority
Board of Commissioners may restrict by resolution

Summary

In unincorporated Skagit County it is unlawful to sell fireworks at retail except between June 15 and July 9 each year under SCC Chapter 9.20. The Sheriff may permit supervised public displays outside that window, and the Board of Commissioners can restrict or ban discharge by resolution when fire danger is high.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Skagit County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, co-partnership or corporation to offer for retail sale, expose for retail sale, sell at retail any fireworks as defined herein; except between June 15 and July 9 of any year and as hereinafter provided. ... This Chapter shall apply only to those areas in Skagit County lying outside of the incorporated cities and towns therein. ... Any violation of this Chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00), or confinement in the Skagit County jail not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both.

Full Breakdown

020 makes it unlawful for any person, firm, co-partnership or corporation to offer, expose or sell fireworks at retail in unincorporated Skagit County except between June 15 and July 9 of any year. 25 grains or less of explosive compound. 040). 050 also carves out lawful uses at any time, including railroad and utility signal flares, blank cartridges for theater productions, ceremonial signals at athletic events, and use by military or police agencies, and lets the Board of Commissioners limit or prohibit discharge by resolution whenever dry-weather fire danger exists. 080); Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley and the towns each set their own fireworks rules.

Violations & Fines

Any violation of Chapter 9.20, including retail sales outside the June 15-July 9 window or discharge without authorization, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 or up to 30 days in the County jail, or both (SCC 9.20.060). The Sheriff is also authorized to seize and remove, at the owner's expense, any fireworks offered or exposed for sale in violation of the chapter (SCC 9.20.070).

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I legally buy fireworks in unincorporated Skagit County?
Retail sale is unlawful except between June 15 and July 9 of each year. Selling, offering or exposing fireworks for retail sale outside that short window violates SCC 9.20.020, regardless of the type of firework involved.
Can the county ban fireworks even during the legal sale window?
Yes. SCC 9.20.050 lets the Board of County Commissioners limit or prohibit discharge by resolution whenever it finds fire danger exists from dry weather or other conditions, overriding the normal June 15-July 9 allowance.
What is the penalty for illegal fireworks sales or use?
A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 or up to 30 days in the Skagit County jail, or both, under SCC 9.20.060. The Sheriff can also seize and remove any fireworks stocked in violation of the chapter at the owner's expense.
Does this county fireworks law apply inside Mount Vernon or Anacortes?
No. SCC 9.20.080 limits Chapter 9.20 to the unincorporated area; incorporated cities and towns such as Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Burlington and Sedro-Woolley set and enforce their own fireworks ordinances.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Skagit County

All Skagit County rules

How Skagit County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Skagit County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview

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