Yakima, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- YMC § 10.15.015
- Origin
- 1992 voter special election, Res. D-6181
- Exceptions
- Licensed public display, religious/private ceremonial permit
- Permit fee
- $50 (both exception types)
- Penalty
- Up to $250 fine/90 days jail per day
Summary
Yakima voters banned fireworks citywide by special election in 1992, and YMC § 10.15.015 still makes it unlawful to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, use, possess, fire or discharge any fireworks except as the chapter otherwise allows. The narrow exceptions are licensed public displays and permitted religious or private ceremonial use, both requiring a $50 permit fee, advance notice and insurance.
§ 10.15.015. Fireworks ban. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, use, possess, fire or discharge any fireworks. (Res. D-6181 § 1, passed by special election, 11/18/1992)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
15 carves out two narrow paths around the ban. 040 lets any person apply to the code administration manager for a permit to hold a public fireworks display; the application costs $50 per display (waivable for student organizations), must be filed at least ten days ahead, and the applicant must already hold a State Fire Marshal license and name the city as an additional insured. 065 lets religious or private organizations obtain a similar $50 permit to use common fireworks such as firecrackers and salutes for religious or specific purposes, but only if the applicant is over 18, buys from a state-licensed source, and files an insurance certificate. 77. 77.
Violations & Fines
Storing, selling, possessing, firing or discharging fireworks in Yakima outside the permit exceptions violates YMC § 10.15.015. YMC § 10.15.120 makes each day of a continuing violation a separate offense, and the general Title 10 penalty at YMC § 10.01.010 sets the fine at up to $250, up to 90 days in jail, or both, for each conviction. A permit issued under §§ 10.15.040 or 10.15.065 can also be revoked for any rule violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fireworks legal in Yakima?
Can I ever get a fireworks permit in Yakima?
What's the penalty for illegal fireworks in Yakima?
Who enforces Yakima's fireworks ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
How Yakima compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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