Can I call the cops on my neighbor for fireworks? See WA, Thurston County rules
For many Washington state residents, the Fourth of July means fireworks.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4.
When and where are you allowed to set off fireworks in Thurston County? Can you call the cops on your neighbors for breaking the rules?
Here’s what to know:
Which fireworks are illegal in Washington state?
According to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, “federally legal consumer fireworks” in Washington state include:
- Firecrackers
- Sky rockets
- Missiles
“These items are legal to purchase, possess and discharge only at an Indian reservation,” the state agency said.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said illegal explosive devices in Washington state include:
- Bottle rockets
- M-80s
- Improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs
Which fireworks are legal in Washington state?
According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, legal fireworks in Washington state include:
- Cylindrical and cone fountains
- Helicopters and aerial spinners
- Smoke devices
- Roman candles
- Parachutes
- Wheels
- Mines
- Shells
- Ground spinners
- Sparklers
When can I buy Fourth of July fireworks in Washington state?
In Washington state, legal fireworks go on sale for the Independence Day holiday at noon on June 28, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
On that day, fireworks can be discharged from noon to 11 p.m.
Fireworks can be legally sold and set off from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3, the state agency said.
On July 4, you can buy fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and launch them from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Fireworks sales are allowed on July 5 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you can legally discharge them from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Washington state also allows fireworks sales and use in late December and early January for New Year’s Eve.
Where are fireworks banned in Thurston County?
The cities of Lacey, Tumwater and Olympia prohibit selling and discharging fireworks, including sparklers and other so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, The Olympian previously reported.
“Trick and novelty devices such as snakes, glow worms, party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices and toy caps are allowed,” the city of Tumwater said on its website.
Fireworks are also prohibited on all state park lands, including “the sections of ocean beaches in front of a state park,” according to Washington State Parks.
Where can I set off consumer fireworks in Thurston County?
However, consumer fireworks are allowed in unincorporated areas of Thurston County in 2026.
You can set off small legal fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, Thurston County said in a July 2025 Facebook post.
When are fireworks allowed in Rainier? Yelm?
The communities of Ranier, Tenino and Yelm allow consumer fireworks on certain days and times, The Olympian reported in 2024.
You can launch legal fireworks in Rainier at these times:
- June 29 to July 3: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1
Here’s when the city of Tenino allows firework use:
- July 3: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 10 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1
According to a June 30 Facebook post by the Yelm Police Department, here’s when you can set off legal fireworks:
- June 28: Noon to 11 pm
- June 29 to July 3: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1
How do I report illegal fireworks use in Olympia area?
If you witness illegal fireworks use in Thurston County, call the non-emergency line 360-704-2740 to be connected to your local police department.
You can also call the West Thurston County Fire Authority at 360-352-1614.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
What are penalties for breaking fireworks rules?
In Washington state, it’s against the law to “discharge or use fireworks in a reckless manner“ that creates a “substantial risk of death or serious physical injury” for people or property damage, the Revised Code of Washington says.
Violating the law is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 90 days in county jail.
In Olympia, people caught violating city ordinances can owe fines of $50 to $125. A code enforcement officer may also issue a criminal citation.
Using fireworks in a state park or nearby Seashore Conservation Area beaches will result in a $99 citation, State Parks said.