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SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – New for this Fourth of July, all fireworks use is banned in unincorporated areas of southwest Snohomish County.

The county ban applies to the densely populated unincorporated areas within the Southwest Urban Growth Area. The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved this ban to begin in 2021 after voters weighed in on the issue in a 2019 advisory vote.

“More than 59% of the ballots cast in the South County Fire service area supported banning fireworks. We ask residents to respect the will of the voters, your neighbors, and the ban this Fourth of July,” said South County Fire Chief Thad Hovis.

People who violate the ban will face a fine up to $500 (depending on city) and their fireworks may also be confiscated by law enforcement, who will be conducting extras patrols on and around July 4.

Fireworks banned in most Snohomish County cities

With this change, fireworks use is now banned year-round in South County Fire’s entire service area, including the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and unincorporated Snohomish COunty neighborhoods. A map of the ban area is available at the South County Fire website: www.southsnofire.org/fireworks.

For public safety, most cities in Snohomish County ban fireworks completely, even on private property. It is illegal to set off fireworks at any time in the following  cities:

• Arlington
• Brier
• Edmonds
• Everett
• Gold Bar
• Index
• Lynnwood
• Marysville (effective January 2017)
• Mill Creek
• Mountlake Terrace
• Mukilteo
• Woodway
• Washington State Parks
• Snohomish County Parks
• Federal land, including those managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service

You can legally discharge fireworks on July 4th in the following cities:

• Bothell
• Darrington
• Granite Falls
• Lake Stevens (except at city parks)
• Monroe
• Snohomish
• Stanwood
• Sultan

Prohibited locations

You are never allowed to use fireworks in or on:

• Public property, including schools, parking lots, streets or sidewalks
• Snohomish County parks
• State parks or land managed by the Department of Natural Resources
• Federal land, including U.S. Forest Service land    

For those who want to see fireworks this Fourth of July, public displays are being planned in several communities, including Edmonds.

To report noise complaints or illegal use with no fire, no injury, and no immediate threat, call the Snohomish County 911 non-emergency line, 425-407-3999.  Call 911 for emergencies when there is an immediate threat to life or property, including a fire or injuries.

Fireworks complaints, concerns

The 911 call centers normally see an increase in firework-related complaints in the dates surrounding the Fourth of July.

For complaints related to noise or illegal fireworks, please call the Snohomish County non-emergency number at 425-407-3999. Only call 911 for an emergency where there is an immediate threat to life or property.

On New Year’s Eve, fireworks are illegal throughout south Snohomish County, in both cities and unincorporated areas.

Fireworks stand permits

Fireworks may legally be sold in unincorporated Snohomish County between noon on June 28 and noon on July 5 of each year. A fireworks permit from the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is required to operate a fireworks stand.

Illegal fireworks

At no time may you possess or discharge illegal fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, M-80s, dynamite, or homemade fireworks. Many fireworks sold on tribal land can only be legally set off on the reservation.

To report the illegal discharge of fireworks, call 425-407-3999. Only call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or property.

Tips on the safe use of fireworks

Be prepared…before you light fireworks:

• Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets
• Store fireworks out of children’s reach
• Keep pets safe indoors
• Always keep water handy

Be Responsible… after you finish:

• Soak used fireworks in water
• Be considerate – clean up used fireworks
• Keep matches and lighters away from children
• Be prepared. Only use legal firework available at licensed outlets.

REMEMBER: Fireworks and alcohol and/or marijuana don’t mix! If you are in a jurisdiction where firework discharge is legal and you plan to partake, please assign a designated “shooter” who stays sober and unimpaired.

South County Fire is the largest provider of fire and emergency medical services in Snohomish County, serving more than 250,000 residents in unincorporated communities and the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace.

Author: Lynnwood Times Staff