Island County, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- July 3 window
- 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- July 4 window
- 9:00 a.m. to midnight
- New Year's window
- Dec 31, 6 p.m. to Jan 1, 1 a.m.
- Mortar fireworks
- Prohibited without display permit
- Local fire official
- Island County Sheriff's Office
- Max fine
- $250.00 (Class I infraction)
Summary
In unincorporated Island County, consumer fireworks may only be used July 3 (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.), July 4 (9 a.m. to midnight), and New Year's Eve into January 1 (6 p.m. to 1 a.m.). Mortar fireworks are banned outright, and a Fire Marshal burn ban can shut off use even during those windows.
Fireworks in Island County are governed by the state fireworks law, chapter 70.77 RCW, and accompanying state regulations provided in chapter 212-17 WAC, as well as by this chapter. The more restrictive provisions apply, in case of any conflict between state and local regulations. In addition to fireworks prohibited by state law as identified above, mortar fireworks are prohibited in Island County except as permitted in section 9.08A.040.C. ... Except as provided for in subsection B. below, consumer fireworks may only be lawfully used or discharged within the unincorporated areas of Island County, except within Island County park areas as prohibited in section 9.40.420, during the following periods of time: July 3 - between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. July 4 - between 9:00 a.m. and 12 midnight December 31 - between 6:00 p.m. through 1:00 a.m. on January 1. It is unlawful to use or discharge fireworks in Island County at all other times, except as may be provided in subsections B. and C. below.
Full Breakdown
Island County Code Chapter 9.08A layers county rules on top of the state fireworks law, Chapter 70.77 RCW, and its regulations at Chapter 212-17 WAC, with the more restrictive rule controlling in any conflict (Section 9.08A.010). Beyond whatever state law already bans, the county separately prohibits mortar fireworks, shells with a lift charge, time fuse and burst charge, except under a display permit issued under Section 9.08A.040.C. The Island County Sheriff's Office is the designated local fire official and local fire authority under Section 9.08A.020.
Section 9.08A.040.A sets the three lawful discharge windows and makes fireworks unlawful at every other time. Even inside those windows, Section 9.08A.040.B lets the Fire Marshal's Type II burn ban override them; a permit from the local fire official can authorize display fireworks during a ban under narrow conditions. Section 9.08A.040.D requires display permit applicants to submit a site plan, the pyrotechnic operator's license number, proof of insurance or bond, and a description of the display. Consumer fireworks are additionally barred inside Island County park areas under Section 9.40.420.
Section 9.08A.060 lets the local fire official or any law enforcement officer seize fireworks used in violation and dispose of forfeited stock under RCW 70.77.440.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 9.08A, including discharging outside the allowed windows, using mortar fireworks without a permit, or discharging during a Fire Marshal burn ban, is a Class I infraction carrying a fine of up to $250.00 under Section 9.08A.080. Officers may also seize the fireworks under Section 9.08A.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I legally set off consumer fireworks in unincorporated Island County?
Are mortar-style fireworks legal in Island County?
Can a burn ban stop fireworks even on the 4th of July?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Island County
Compare Island County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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