Stricter fireworks rules, bigger fines for Benton County. But not ‘til 2026
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- Benton County will restrict fireworks use to July 3, 4, and Dec. 31 starting 2026.
- New penalties set fines at $500 for first offenses, rising to $2,000 by third offense.
- Commissioners approved rules amid safety concerns raised by rural area residents.
Benton County is cracking down on recreational fireworks by limiting the days they can be sold and used starting next year.
County commissioners voted 3-0 this week to limit the number of days that residents in unincorporated areas may use fireworks. The new rules take effect June, 24, 2026.
The restrictions don’t affect next week’s Fourth of July holiday, which allows fireworks sales and use between June 28 and July 5, as well as on New Year’s Eve.
Next year, however, the county will limit fireworks to July 3, 4 and Dec. 31.
The new rules also include heftier fines for violators — $500 fine for the first violation, $1,000 for the second and $2,000 for the third.
Commissioner Will McKay said Finley residents and others have asked for relief from the fireworks barrage. Improperly used fireworks often ignite fires that threaten homes and property, as well as bother animals.
“I’m glad we’re doing it, but it’s a bummer we have to wait a year,” he said.
Washington law spells out what types of fireworks may be sold in the state along with the dates they may be sold and used, but local cities can add their own restrictions.
In the Tri-Cities, that’s led to a mishmash of rules, all widely ignored in the days leading up to the Independence Day holiday.
Franklin County already fully bans recreational fireworks in unincorporated areas.
Kennewick, Pasco and Richland allow fireworks sales and use during the full state window. West Richland restricts fireworks use to July 2, 3 and 4.
Benton County restricts fireworks in the unincorporated areas when the fire danger reaches “extreme” levels. But the current fire threat level is below that point.
This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 4:59 PM.