Bothell, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

BMC 8.37.100 is the core rule. No fireworks can be sold, offered or exposed for sale within the city, and no person can ignite or discharge any fireworks anywhere within the city. Discharge on any city-owned real property or within any publicly owned park additionally needs a permit. Subsection E closes the gap: except as provided, it is unlawful to possess, store, offer for sale, sell at retail, use, explode, fire, ignite or discharge any fireworks in the city.

The prohibitions in subsections A and B do not apply to a public display authorized under the chapter; use for religious purposes under RCW 70.77.311; agricultural and wildlife fireworks used by government agencies; possession of the consumer fireworks listed in BMC 8.37.105 during a four-day period each year from 12:00 p.m. on July 1st to 11:00 p.m. on July 4th; and discharge of those listed fireworks between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on July 4th. Subsection D lifts only the prohibitions in subsections A and B.

BMC 8.37.105 lists the consumer fireworks allowed in those windows: sparklers and tanks. It also states that nothing in the chapter precludes possession or discharge of trick or novelty devices: snakes, party poppers, snappers and novelty smoke devices.

Permits run through the fire chief. BMC 8.37.020 requires a permit for anyone manufacturing, importing, possessing or selling fireworks other than the BMC 8.37.105 consumer fireworks, discharging display fireworks, making a public display, or transporting fireworks. A public display application is due at least 10 days before the display, with a nonrefundable fee set by council resolution and a $2,500 cash bond conditioned on debris removal within 24 hours. A pyrotechnic operator approved by the fire chief must handle or supervise every public display under BMC 8.37.080, and BMC 8.37.220 prohibits reckless discharge that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury.