New Year’s fireworks sales begin in the Tri-Cities. Here’s where to buy them

Washington law only allows recreational fireworks at the Fourth of July and New Year’s.

Fireworks started legally selling at noon two days after Christmas, Friday, Dec. 27. But state law only allows legal fireworks to be fired off between 6 p.m. Dec. 31 and 1 a.m., Jan. 1.

Kennewick, Pasco and Richland will have fireworks stands but West Richland will not.

The cities of Kennewick and Pasco authorized a single stand each in the parking lots of their respective Walmart stores. The city of Richland authorized two, at Safeway, 690 Gage Blvd., and Walmart, 2801 Duportail St.

Local cities say they’ve never been asked to allow winter fireworks stands, though state law and in some cases, city codes, specifically allow a short sales window between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Kennewick ended a 31-year ban on personal fireworks in 2022, with the new rules taking effect in 2023.

Pasco ended its 22-year ban on personal fireworks in 2018. West Richland allows all personal fireworks that are legal under state law.

Some of the devices allowed under Washington law include cylindrical fountains, helicopters and aerial spinners, cone fountains, smoke devices, Roman candles, parachutes, wheels, mine/shells/cakes, ground spinners, sparklers and a category described as novelties.

It is illegal in Washington to possess, manufacture or use M-80s, M-100s and similar devices, improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs and tennis ball bombs.

Altered fireworks, such as sparklers bound together with electrical or duct tape, are illegal as well.

First Night Tri-Cities will host a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration from 4-9 p.m., Dec. 31, at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams in Kennewick.

The program includes a professional fireworks display.

Go to firstnighttricities.com for details and to buy tickets.