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Olympia, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

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

Key Facts

Consumer fireworks
Cannot be sold or discharged in the City
Small novelty devices
May be sold and used at all times
Discharging consumer fireworks
Civil infraction
Selling consumer fireworks
Misdemeanor
Display fireworks permit
City Fire Marshal; $25 basic fee, $100 maximum
City parks
All fireworks prohibited under OMC 12.60.050

Summary

In the City of Olympia, Washington, consumer fireworks cannot be sold or discharged at all. Selling them is a misdemeanor, and discharging them is a civil infraction. Display fireworks need a permit from the City Fire Marshal, and only small novelty devices such as snappers and party poppers can be sold and used at all times.

D. Sales, possession and discharge of fireworks. 1. Small firework devices may be sold and used at all times. 2. Consumer fireworks shall not be sold or discharged in the city. ... F. Fireworks--Unlawful sales. Any person, firm or corporation selling consumer fireworks in the City at any time shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. ... H. Fireworks--Unlawful possession or discharge. It shall be unlawful for any person, within the City of Olympia to: ... 2. Discharge consumer fireworks in the City. Violation of this subsection shall constitute a civil infraction. 3. Discharge or otherwise use any fireworks in a reckless manner which creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another. A violation of this subsection shall constitute a gross misdemeanor.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Olympia Municipal Code § 9.48.160 sets the rules for fireworks in the City of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington, and adopts a list of RCW Chapter 70.77 sections by reference to the extent they do not conflict with the Olympia Municipal Code. Subsection D sorts fireworks into three tiers. Small firework devices may be sold and used at all times, and the definitions list trick and novelty items such as snakes, glowworms, trick noise makers, party poppers, snappers or pop-its, and paper caps. Consumer fireworks shall not be sold or discharged in the city. Display fireworks, and any type not otherwise regulated by the section, are unlawful unless sold, possessed or used in accordance with RCW Chapter 70.77.

Subsection E requires anyone intending to sell, possess or discharge display fireworks in the City to secure a permit from the City Fire Marshal first. The permit is effective for the full calendar year in which it is secured, and the Fire Marshal issues it only if the applicant complies with the chapter and RCW Chapter 70.77. For public displays the basic fee is $25, with an additional $25 for each hour of inspection above one hour, capped at a $100 maximum fee.

Subsection C makes Chapter 33 of the International Fire Code, as incorporated by OMC 16.04.020, supplemental to RCW Chapter 70.77, and the state chapter prevails if the two conflict. Separately, OMC 12.60.050 makes it unlawful to shoot, fire or explode any fireworks, firecracker, torpedo or explosive of any kind in a City park.

The penalties are graded by conduct. Selling consumer fireworks at any time is a misdemeanor under subsection F. Knowingly selling or transferring display fireworks to someone who is not a fireworks licensee is a gross misdemeanor under subsection G. Subsection H adds three offenses: possessing unauthorized display fireworks, discharging consumer fireworks, and using any fireworks recklessly. It also bars letting rubbish accumulate, or a fire nuisance exist, where fireworks are stored or sold.

Violations & Fines

Selling consumer fireworks is a misdemeanor. Knowingly transferring display fireworks to a non-licensee is a gross misdemeanor. Possessing less than one pound of unauthorized display fireworks, exclusive of external packaging, is a misdemeanor, and one pound or more is a gross misdemeanor. Discharging consumer fireworks in the City is a civil infraction. Reckless use creating a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury is a gross misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set off consumer fireworks in the City of Olympia on the Fourth of July?
No. Section 9.48.160(D)(2) says consumer fireworks shall not be sold or discharged in the city, and subsection H(2) makes discharging them in the City a civil infraction. The code carves out no holiday window, so the ban applies on every day of the year.
What fireworks are allowed in Olympia?
Small firework devices may be sold and used at all times. The code defines them as trick and novelty devices such as snakes, glowworms, trick noise makers, party poppers, snappers or pop-its, and paper caps containing not more than 25/100 grams of explosive compound for each cap. Display fireworks need the Fire Marshal permit.
Who issues the permit for a public fireworks display?
The City Fire Marshal. Under subsection E the permit runs for the full calendar year in which it is secured, and it is issued only if the applicant complies with the chapter and RCW Chapter 70.77. For public displays the basic fee is $25, plus $25 for each hour of inspection above one hour, up to $100.
Are fireworks allowed in Olympia city parks?
No. OMC 12.60.050 makes it unlawful to shoot, fire or explode any fireworks, firecracker, torpedo or explosive of any kind in a City park. That rule is separate from § 9.48.160 and applies even to items that are otherwise sold and used in the City, such as small novelty devices.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Olympia

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsPropane StorageSignificant RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight Restrictions

All Olympia rules

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

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