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Franklin County, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

General rule
Fireworks prohibited without a permit exception
Storage/transport permit fee
$100 per year
Public display permit fee
$100, waivable
Display application lead time
20 days in advance
Max penalty
$1,000 fine and/or 90 days jail

Summary

Manufacturing, selling, transporting, discharging, storing or using fireworks anywhere in unincorporated Franklin County is prohibited unless it falls under a narrow exception, and any permitted activity such as a public display or storage requires a fire-official permit and a fee.

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

A.Except as permitted in this chapter, the manufacture, sale, transportation, discharge, storage or use of fireworks within the county is prohibited; provided, however, that this restriction shall not apply:1.To the use by railroads or other transportation agencies for signal or illumination purposes;2.To the use of agricultural and wildlife fireworks as defined by R.C.W. 70.77.141;3.To the use of special effects fireworks as defined by R.C.W. 70.77.146 when used as an integral part of a theatrical production;4.To the transportation of fireworks through the county as part of interstate commerce;5.To the public display of fireworks authorized by permit issued by the county.

Full Breakdown

146 used in a theatrical production; fireworks merely passing through the county as interstate commerce; and a public display authorized by county permit. 020 requires a permit from the local fire official before anyone may possess or store fireworks, run an outdoor public display, discharge special effects or agricultural/wildlife or special fireworks, transport fireworks (except by a public carrier on interstate or state routes), or discharge fireworks inside a structure; the storage or transport permit costs $100 per year, and the fire official may revoke any permit at any time over safety concerns.

030 requires a written application at least 20 days ahead with the property owner's consent letter, a $100 fee the county may waive on request, proof of a state-licensed operator, and liability insurance of at least $100,000 per person injured, $300,000 per occurrence, and $50,000 for property damage, naming the county as additional insured; a denied applicant may appeal to the board of commissioners. 040, and an owner has ten days to petition for their return.

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 8.04 is a misdemeanor under 8.04.050, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in jail for up to 90 days, or both. The local fire official enforces the chapter, seizes noncompliant fireworks at the owner's expense, and may revoke any storage, display or transport permit at any time for safety concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set off fireworks at home in unincorporated Franklin County?
No. Section 8.04.010 bans discharge and use of fireworks countywide except for the narrow exceptions listed, such as a permitted public display; ordinary consumer fireworks use is not one of the exceptions.
How do I get a permit for a fireworks display?
Apply in writing to the local fire official at least 20 days before the event under 8.04.030, with the property owner's consent letter, a $100 fee (waivable on request), and liability insurance naming the county as additional insured.
What happens if my fireworks are seized?
Under 8.04.040 you have ten days after seizure to petition the local fire official for their return on the grounds the seizure was illegal or erroneous; the official must decide within 15 days and grant a hearing if requested.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin County

All Franklin County rules

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

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