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Chelan County, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

Retail permit fee
$50 plus $300 bond
Discharge status
banned since Res. 2016-61
Public display permit fee
$40
Liability insurance required
$1 million per event
1st offense penalty
civil infraction up to $130

Summary

Retail fireworks sales in unincorporated Chelan County require a $50 fire marshal permit plus a $300 bond under Section 7.44.040, but actually discharging fireworks anywhere in the unincorporated county has been banned outright since Resolution 2016-61, "until further noticed," per the code reviser's note to Section 7.44.055.

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

(a) Fee. In addition to obtaining the state license from the State Fire Marshal, each individual, organization, or other entity desiring to sell fireworks at retail within the unincorporated section of Chelan County shall obtain a fireworks permit from the Chelan County fire marshal. The fee shall be fifty dollars. (b) There shall also be posted a cash bond in the amount of three hundred dollars to assure the timely and orderly removal of the temporary stand and associated appurtenances within ten days of the expiration of the permit. This amount is refundable upon satisfactory final inspection. ... Code reviser's note: Res. 2016-61 provides that "the Chelan County Commissioners prohibit the discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Chelan County until further noticed."

Full Breakdown

020 applies it to fireworks stored, transported, sold, possessed, or discharged anywhere in the county. 030 splits fireworks into "common" items like sparklers, fountains, and ground spinners and "special fireworks" like firecrackers, rockets, and Roman candles. 040). 5-gallon extinguishers, a 25-foot cleared perimeter, no sales to anyone under 16, an attendant 21 or older, and at least 15 parking spaces. m. m. m. 055 records that Resolution 2016-61 has the Board of County Commissioners prohibiting discharge in the unincorporated county until it says otherwise. 090). 040, except by written permit to licensed pyrotechnic companies.

Violations & Fines

Section 7.44.095 makes a first violation a civil infraction up to $130, a second within five years up to $250, and a third within five years a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, with the court able to order restitution for any resulting damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally set off fireworks in unincorporated Chelan County?
No. Although Section 7.44.055 once allowed discharge from 6 p.m. December 31 to 1 a.m. January 1, the code reviser's note confirms Resolution 2016-61 has the Board of County Commissioners prohibiting all fireworks discharge in the unincorporated county "until further noticed."
What does it cost to run a retail fireworks stand?
Section 7.44.040 requires a $50 fireworks permit from the Chelan County fire marshal plus a $300 refundable cash bond to guarantee the stand is removed within ten days after the permit expires.
What insurance does a fireworks permit holder need?
Section 7.44.090 requires a comprehensive general liability policy of at least $1 million per event, naming Chelan County as an additional insured, with 30 days' written notice before the policy can be cancelled.
What's the penalty for illegally discharging fireworks?
Section 7.44.095 makes a first violation a civil infraction up to $130, a second within five years up to $250, and a third within five years a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chelan County

All Chelan County rules

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

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