Fireworks Rules & Guidelines

It is legal to discharge fireworks in University Place only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.

Residents who wish to report a violation of U.P.’s fireworks regulations should go to www.fireworksreport.com. The site will be live to take fireworks complaints from 6 a.m. on June 28 through 6 a.m. on July 5. Call 911 if there’s a medical emergency, injury or active fire. 

Firework Laws

In University Place, fireworks:

  • May be purchased from noon on June 28 to 9 p.m. on July 4
  • May be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight
  • Must be purchased, possessed and discharged by persons 16 years of age; children under 16 must be under direct adult supervision
  • Must be hand-held and ground-based sparking devices which are non-aerial and non-explosive
    • Fountain - A ground device that emits showers of sparks several feet in the air
    • Cone - A type of fountain in the shape of a cone.
    • Novelty - Fireworks such as snaps, snakes, poppers; they can shoot white smoke or even multi-color parachutes
    • Smoke - Any item that produces a smoke effect, including smoke balls and aerial items that produce smoke instead of light or noise; smoke items are generally used during the daytime
    • Sparklers/Morning Glory - A handheld stick with a coating of pyrotechnic composition that creates sparks when lit; Morning Glory sparklers are a larger thin cardboard tube filled with powder

Purchasing Fireworks

Fireworks that are purchased in University Place at reliable retailers licensed by Washington State are legal. All locations in University Place sell only legal fireworks.

If you choose to purchase fireworks elsewhere, you are responsible to know the difference between legal and illegal fireworks.

Fees & Fines & FAQ

Violations of the University Place fireworks law is a misdemeanor and can lead to a $1000 fine and up to 90 days in jail. For more information click on FAQ.

More Information

Watch the U.P. Responds show on YouTube, which talks specifically about the new 2019 Fireworks Rules in U.P. The show is also playing on UPTV (Channel 12 or Comcast channel 21) daily at multiple times.

For more questions about fireworks, please contact UPPublicSafety@cityofup.com.