Washington County, MN Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Ordinance No. 218, Ch. III § 7(b)
- Adopted
- May 21, 2024, Resolution No. 2024-057
- Enforcing agency
- Sheriff's Office and Parks Division
- Penalty
- Petty misdemeanor, Minn. Stat. § 609.02 subd. 4a
- Exception
- Only with a Parks Director use permit
- Coverage
- All county parks and conservation areas
Summary
Washington County bans possessing, setting off or attempting to ignite firecrackers, fireworks, smoke bombs, rockets, black powder guns or other pyrotechnics anywhere in a county park or conservation area unless a use permit authorizes it. The rule sits in Parks Ordinance No. 218, adopted May 21, 2024, covering every park and conservation area the county operates.
possess, set off or attempt to set off or ignite any firecrackers, fireworks, smoke bombs, rockets, black powder guns or other pyrotechnics unless otherwise authorized by use permit.
Full Breakdown
Chapter III, Section 7 of Ordinance No. " Unlike the weapons clause, the fireworks clause carries no statutory firearms-permit exemption; a Chapter II, Section 2 use permit from the Parks Division, required for any event with a potentially detrimental effect on park property or other users, is the only lawful path around it. 35. Ordinance No. 218 was adopted by County Board Resolution No. 2024-057 on May 21, 2024, repealing and replacing the prior Ordinance No. 213 that had governed parks since September 15, 2020.
A visitor caught igniting fireworks without a permit also risks Chapter VIII, Section 5, which lets the Parks Director revoke any existing use permit or campsite reservation for the violation, on top of the criminal penalty.
Violations & Fines
Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies, other licensed peace officers, and Washington County Parks Division staff all have authority under Chapter VIII, Section 1 to enforce the fireworks ban. Chapter VIII, Section 2 makes any violation of the Parks Ordinance a petty misdemeanor under Minnesota Statutes Section 609.02, subdivision 4a, fined up to the statutory maximum, with collected fines deposited into the county park fund rather than the general fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set off fireworks in a Washington County park?
What happens if I'm caught with fireworks in a county park?
Is there any way to legally use fireworks in a Washington County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
How Washington County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Washington County to another location·View the Minnesota fire regulations overview
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