How To Report Illegal Fireworks In King & Pierce Counties

SEATTLE — More families in King and Pierce counties will have an easy way to report illegal fireworks in their neighborhoods this Independence Day weekend by filling out a simple online form or making a quick phone call.

According to the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office, fire departments, hospitals and clinics across the state reported 180 fireworks-related incidents in 2021, including 70 that resulted in injuries and 110 that sparked fires. Officials said most incidents occur on July 4.

In King County, a new ban on consumer fireworks kicked in for unincorporated communities this year, limiting the areas where they are permitted to a small handful. County officials pointed to several wildfires sparked by fireworks in rural and unincorporated communities in recent years, including a deadly 2019 house fire in White Center, which is included under the new ban. Other areas subject to the new restrictions include Skyway, Vashon Island, Snoqualmie Valley, Enumclaw Plateau and Greater Maple Valley.

The vast majority of King County cities also prohibit the use of personal fireworks, including Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Redmond, Kirkland and Issaquah. Only a few cities allow fireworks to be discharged during a limited window: Mercer Island, Enumclaw, Auburn, Snoqualmie and Normandy Park.

Local agencies stress that 911 should only be used to report injuries or fires related to fireworks, but there are a couple of ways to let authorities know about violations. New this year, residents in incorporated areas can fill out an online form to report illegal fireworks to the King County Permitting Division, or by calling the King County Fireworks Hotline at 206-848-0800.

Since this is the first year of the new law, enforcement will consist of issuing warnings to violators, which will go on an official record, the county said. Repeat violators can expect $250 citations after the Department of Local Services finalizes its enforcement plan next year.

Here are the two ways to file a report:

• Visit kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks (Follow the steps below)
  • First-time users will have to register for Permitting’s online customer portal system.
  • Once you’ve registered, click on “Ask a Question.”
  • On the “Topic” pull-down menu on the next page, click “Fireworks” and submit the information.
• Call: 206-848-0800.

Pierce County

While consumer fireworks are permitted in more Pierce County communities, discharging them still has limits, and a number of cities ban them outright.

For example, in unincorporated Pierce County, fireworks may only be set off:

• July 1-3, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• July 4, between 10 a.m. and midnight.
• July 5, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Consumer fireworks are banned in all city, county and state parks, and in Fircrest, Greenwater, JBLM, Ruston, Steilacoom, Tacoma, and Crystal Mountain. Many cities where they remain legal, like Bonney Lake, Sumner, Lakewood and Puyallup have restrictions in place limiting discharge to July 4 itself, and before midnight.

Check if and when fireworks are legal near you on Pierce County's website.

New this year, residents in Tacoma, Fife, Orting, Roy, Sumner and University Place can report illegal use of fireworks through an online portal until 6 a.m. Tuesday. Information submitted online will be provided to local law enforcement agencies electronically or by radio, where officers can decide whether to respond.

South Sound 911 said July 4 is typically their busiest day of the year, and utilizing the online form helps dispatchers respond to more pressing emergencies.

“Emergencies are always our number one priority,” said Deborah Grady, South Sound 911's executive director. “Providing alternative reporting options offers both a convenience to our community and reduces the impact on our call takers, so they can focus on true emergencies and get people the help they need as fast as possible.”

Residents living in an area not covered by the online portal can direct reports to a non-emergency line: 253-287-4455 or 1-800-562-9800.