Fireworks

Planning and Development

Legal and Illegal Fireworks

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

 

Sky lanterns are prohibited

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.

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.

  • Fireworks Retailer Checklist

Holiday

Dates

Sales Legal Between

Fourth of July June 29th 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
  June 30th - July 4th 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  July 5th 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
New Years December 27th - 30th 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
  December 31st 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
  January 1st No Sales Allowed

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

Holiday

Dates

Discharge Legal Between

Fourth of July June 29th 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
  June 30th - July 4th 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  July 5th 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
New Years December 27th - 30th No Discharging
  December 31st 6:00 pm - 1:00 am
  January 1st 6:00 pm - 1:00 am

  • 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 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.

Contact Us

1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 416-1320

Ask a Permit Technician

Permit Assistance: Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcome during the following times.

Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri.:

  • 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Thursday:

  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Reception: M-F: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm