What fireworks are allowed in different parts of Tri-Cities? The various laws, explained

The Fourth of July is right round the corner, meaning firework stands are back up and running. Around what is often one of the hottest stretches of the year, many will be looking for fireworks.

In eastern Washington, summer is also fire season. There have already been multiple fires in and around Tri-Cities so far this fire season.

In order to protect the area, regulations are put in place to prevent fires as much as possible. This includes burn bans, protection methods and firework regulations.

With multiple jurisdictions in the Tri-Cities area, firework regulations can get complicated. Here’s what fireworks are allowed where.

Note: Each city may refer to the same type of fireworks in different ways, or define a group of fireworks with different criteria. Language used is a reflection of each city’s individual guidelines.

Fireworks regulations in Tri-Cities

Each city has its own fireworks code, as well as the surrounding counties and nearby cities. You need to know where you’ll be on Independence Day in order to plan accordingly. An unincorporated area of Benton County will have different rules than property in the city of Kennewick’s jurisdiction.

It’s best to buy fireworks in the same city or area you’ll be celebrating in, as vendors will have to be up-to-date on local regulations.

Firework rules can change from year to year, and have had some recent updates. Kennewick’s fireworks rules changed ahead of 2023 celebrations, after having the most strict regulations in Tri-Cities for quite some time.

Across Tri-Cities, the allotted time for fireworks is:

• June 28: Noon to 11 p.m.
• June 29 through 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.

In each city, the fire chief is allowed to prohibit firework usage entirely during periods of extreme fire danger. Additionally, fireworks must be a certain distance from parade routes, and cannot be thrown at any person, animal, vehicle or object.

Currently, the following fireworks are allowed in Kennewick:

• Cylindrical fountains
• Cone fountains
• Parachutes
• Wheels
• Wire sparkler/dipped sticks
• Illuminated torch
• Ground and hand-held sparkling devices
• Novelties

The following devices are prohibited in Kennewick:

• Helicopter or aerial spinner
• Mine or shell
• Chaser
• Ground spinner
• Roman candle
• Toy smoke device
• Jumping jacks
• Combination items
• Special fireworks without public display permits
• Agricultural and wildlife fireworks without proper permit
• Special effects without proper permit
• Fireworks that do not satisfy all chemical requirements
• Any fireworks with pyrotechnic composition too large

The list is quite similar to what fireworks are prohibited in Richland:

• Helicopter or aerial spinner
• Mine or shell
• Sky rocket
• Missile-type rocket
• Firecracker or salute
• Chaser
• Ground spinner
• Roman candle
• Smoke device
• Jumping jacks
• Combination items
• Special fireworks without public display permits
• Agricultural and wildlife fireworks without proper permit
• Special effects without proper permit
• Fireworks that do not satisfy all chemical requirements
• Any fireworks with pyrotechnic composition too large

In Pasco, the following fireworks are allowed:

• Smoke devices
• Cylindrical fountain
• Cone fountain
• Ground spinner
• Dipped stick/sparkler
• Wheels
• Novelties

You must be at least 16 years old to handle fireworks without parental supervision in Kennewick, Richland and Pasco.

You can report the use of illegal fireworks at non-emergency dispatch at 509-628-0333. The fine for violating these codes is $250.

Fireworks regulations outside Tri-Cities

Fireworks are banned in unincorporated Franklin County, unless special permits are obtained.

Cities in Benton County have their own rules, including West Richland and Prosser.

The City of West Richland has more strict rules regarding when fireworks can be set off:

• July 2-3: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• July 4: 6 p.m. to midnight

The city allows all fireworks considered “consumer fireworks” in the Washington Administrative Code.

If 16 or 17, adult supervision is required. Breaking any of these rules can lead to a fine of up to $500 and a gross misdemeanor.

In Prosser, fireworks are banned, unless special permits are obtained.

In Benton City, fireworks can be discharged:

• June 28 through July 3: Noon to 11 p.m.
• July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight

The city does not allow the following fireworks:

• Helicopters or aerial spinners
• Mine or shell
• Sky rocket
• Missile-type rocket
• Firecracker or salute
• Chaser
• Ground spinner
• Roman candle
• Smoke device
• Jumping jacks
• Combination items
• Fireworks that do not satisfy all chemical requirements
• Any fireworks with pyrotechnic composition too large

The following kinds of fireworks are not allowed in unincorporated Benton County:

• Helicopter/aerial spinner
• Mine or shell
• Sky rocket
• Missile-type rocket
• Firecracker or salute
• Chaser
• Ground spinner
• Roman candle
• Smoke device
• Jumping jacks
• Combination fireworks
• Fireworks that do not satisfy all chemical requirements
• Any fireworks with pyrotechnic composition too large

Further, if there is too high of an energy release value at any point between June 19 and July 5, all fireworks will be prohibited between June 28 and July 5.

You must be 16 years old or older to use any approved fireworks without adult supervision. In Benton County, breaking these rules is considered a criminal misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $1,000.