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Fourth of July safety: Fireworks banned in unincorporated King County, violators could receive citations

June 28, 2024

SUMMARY

The use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County. Repeat violators will be issued citations with a $250 penalty, and education about illegal fireworks use will be issued to all reported violators.

STORY

As the July 4th holiday nears, Local Services reminds everyone that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of King County, including communities such as White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and the East Renton area.

King County instead encourages residents to watch a public fireworks display, join a neighborhood celebration or find other ways to celebrate the holiday safely.

Fireworks enforcement will be managed by the Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division of the Department of Local Services. Code Enforcement will investigate complaints received about illegal fireworks use and/or sales in unincorporated King County.

Much like reporting a building safety or nuisance issue, reporting fireworks violations will require giving a specific property address. And if the person reporting the violation wants King County to take enforcement action, that person must be willing to testify in person or by written declaration at a hearing concerning the date, time, and location where they witnessed the illegal acts. If the complaint is anonymous or the complainant is not willing to testify, then the owner of the property where discharge of illegal fireworks is reported will be sent a letter with information about the fireworks ban.

“While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County joins other communities in our region who agree that consumer fireworks pose too great of a danger,” King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban said. “For the safety of our family, friends, neighbors, pets, and personal property, we remind everyone that fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated King County. We encourage residents to instead watch a public fireworks display, attend a community event or enjoy countless other ways to celebrate July 4th safely.”

Below is a list of frequently asked questions to help residents determine whether/how they can report a fireworks violation during the upcoming season:

Q. Are fireworks allowed in unincorporated King County?
A. No, the sale and use of consumer fireworks in unincorporated King County are strictly prohibited. (Note: commercial displays by licensed pyrotechnicians are still allowed with a permit).

Q. I live in a city like Seattle or Renton. Can I still report violations to King County?
A. No. King County will investigate complaints only for properties located in unincorporated King County. “Unincorporated King County” means outside of city limits. There are two easy ways to determine whether you’re located in unincorporated King County:

Q. I know people are lighting off fireworks, but I don’t have a specific address. Will you still investigate?
A. No. Code Enforcement will not investigate any complaint it receives for fireworks incidents on private property that does not include a specific address or parcel number located within unincorporated King County.

Q. I have an address, but do I have to give my name and contact information when reporting?
A. While the person reporting isn’t legally required to give their name and contact information, anonymous complaints about fireworks on private property will only result in an informational letter to the property owner.

Q. Will I have to testify about the complaint I made?
A. You are not legally required to testify in writing or in person before a hearing examiner about your complaint. However, a citation with a penalty will only be issued if the complainant is willing to testify. Otherwise, the alleged violator will only be issued an educational warning letter.

Q. What about people who are lighting off fireworks in the street, park, or other public property?
A. Code Enforcement does not investigate complaints about fireworks use on public right-of-way or other public property like schools or parks. In those instances, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Q. Will King County actively patrol for fireworks violations?
A. No. Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office do not actively patrol for fireworks violations. Complaints must be filed through the regular code enforcement channels (see “How to report fireworks violations” below).

Q. What if I see actual or potential danger to people or property from fireworks? Who do I report it to then?
A. In instances where a threat to life, physical injury, or property damage may occur, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office by calling 9-1-1.

Q. Where can I find more information?
A. Go to kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks for more information (in the green fireworks section, click on the “Report violations online.” First-time users will have to sign up for our system). You can also direct general queries to our customer support email and phone number (206-477-3800).

Reporting fireworks violations

Residents can report violators to Code Enforcement (please note that reports made by e-mail or by phone will be responded to the next business day):

QUOTES

  • King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban: “While the Fourth of July is a time for celebration, King County joins other communities in our region who agree that consumer fireworks pose too great of a danger. For the safety of our family, friends, neighbors, pets, and personal property, we remind everyone that fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated King County. We encourage residents to instead watch a public fireworks display, attend a community event or enjoy countless other ways to celebrate July 4th safely.”

LINKS

MEDIA CONTACT

Brent Champaco, Department of Local Services, brent.champaco@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-9094

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