As we near Independence Day, Whidbey Island residents should be aware of fireworks rules, which vary depending on the area.
According to Island County’s website, all fireworks are banned in federal land and all county and state parks. Possessing or discharging missile-type rockets, fire crackers, sky rockets and chasers is illegal in Washington state.
Residents can use fireworks within the unincorporated areas of the county — except for parks, as mentioned above — during these periods of time:
July 3 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
July 4 between 9:00 a.m. and midnight
July 5 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
It is also illegal to discharge fireworks if the Island County Fire Marshal declares a Type II burn ban, unless the Island County Sheriff — who is the local fire official — issues a permit.
In Oak Harbor, according to the city’s fire department, residents can only discharge fireworks on property they own — otherwise they must obtain a permit to use the property — during these periods of time:
June 28 between noon. and 11:00 p.m.
June 29 through July 3 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
July 4 between 9:00 a.m. and midnight
July 5 between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
In Coupeville, according to the city’s municipal code, fireworks can only be discharged on Independence Day from 9:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.. To discharge fireworks at any other time, residents must receive a permit from the town council for public display.
In 2022, the Coupeville Town Council approved a fireworks code change, which went into effect this year. In the case of an extreme weather event — such as high heat, high winds or low humidity — the mayor may issue an emergency proclamation prohibiting the discharge of fireworks seven days in advance of July 4 after consulting with the Island County fire official, the town council, the Whidbey fire chief or other officials.
In Langley, the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks is prohibited unless authorized by a state license and city permit for a public display, religious organization or special effects for entertainment media 30 days in advance of the event.
Island County and the city of Oak Harbor urge residents to be mindful of animals and individuals with post traumatic stress disorder who might be triggered by smells, sights and sounds they associate with the traumatic event.
