Fireworks
Personal Fireworks Use is Prohibited in Tacoma
Violations of the fireworks ban can result in a $513 fine. Skip the fine and start a new Fourth of July tradition this year!
- Attend the 4th of July Summer Blast celebration along the Ruston Way waterfront for live music, food trucks, a craft market, fireworks, and more!
- Explore nature on an urban hike or going out to a trail.
- Organize an outdoor community movie in your neighborhood.
- Have a BBQ or tailgate party with your neighbors.
- Organize a water balloon fight with the neighbors.
- Share your new tradition with us on social media using the hashtag #tacomatraditions!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely – all of them! In Tacoma, it is unlawful to purchase, possess, or discharge any fireworks except for display fireworks discharged by professionals at a permitted community event.
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Fireworks were initially banned in 1992 following a very dry spring. Officials were concerned about high fire danger and limited the discharge to one day only. In a close vote the following spring, the City Council banned fireworks altogether. However, the deciding factor was not because of weather-related conditions but due to the inherent danger that fireworks pose to community members and property. After much debate and a close vote in May of 1998, the City Council decided to keep the ban in place.
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If you buy fireworks and bring them to Tacoma, you risk being fined and confiscated because they are illegal here. Remember, many of the fireworks purchased on Tribal Land are only legal to discharge on Tribal Land.