Skagit County regulates fireworks within the unincorporated portions of the county, i.e., outside the boundaries of the cities and towns. The Washington State Patrol maintains a list of local fireworks bans or restricted sales and use.

In unincorporated Skagit County, only fireworks allowed by state law are allowed. Fireworks are illegal on state forestlands and in most parks.

Sky lanterns are prohibited in unincorporated Skagit County by SCC 15.04.030. “Sky Lantern” means any sky candles, fire balloons and other airborne lanterns made of paper or other combustible material with a wood frame containing a candle, fuel cell composed of waxy flammable material or other open flame which serves as a heat source to heat the air inside the device to cause it to lift into the air.

Sale of Fireworks

Fireworks may only be sold during the dates and times set by the State Fire Protection Bureau. The Sheriff may seize fireworks offered or exposed for sale in violation of this chapter, and a violation is a misdemeanor. More rules on fireworks stands are available from the State Fire Marshal.

Discharge of Fireworks

In unincorporated Skagit County, it is illegal to discharge fireworks except during the following dates and times:

Holiday Date Sales Legal Between Discharge Legal Between
Fourth of July June 29
June 30 - July 4
July 5		 12 p.m. –11 p.m.
9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.		 12 p.m. –11 p.m.
9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
New Years December 27 - 30
December 31
January 1		 12 p.m. –11 p.m.
12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
No Sales Allowed		 No Discharging
6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
6 p.m. – 1 a.m.

General Safety Tips

  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
  • Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
  • Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.
  • Fireworks should be used only with extreme caution.
  • Older children should be closely supervised, and younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks.

Proper steps to dispose of your used fireworks safely and effectively.

  • Allow fireworks one hour of cooling-off time before handling.
  • Fill an appropriately sized five(5) gallon bucket or trash can halfway up with water.
  • After one hour, place all used fireworks, including duds and sparklers into the trash can.
  • Let the fireworks soak overnight in the water-filled bin away from any structures.
  • Wrap or double wrap the fireworks in a water-soaked plastic bag so they can’t dry out and transfer them to your regular garbage bin for pickup or take them to your local solid waste facility.

For more information, contact the Skagit County Deputy Fire Marshal at 360-416-1842.