As the 4th of July holiday approaches, the King County Fire Chief’s Association is reminding residents that the use and sale of consumer fireworks is illegal in unincorporated King County.

Each year, fire safety officials warn about the dangers of fireworks that can result in injury, death, and destruction of property.

This is the second year fireworks are banned in unincorporated King County. In 2021, King County Executive Dow Constantine signed the ban into law prohibiting the use and sale of consumer fireworks, and state law required a year before the ban took effect.

During recent dry summers, several wildfires in rural parts of the county are caused by fireworks. Several fireworks-related injuries and other incidents in urban areas — including a 2019 house fire in White Center in which one person died — have also been cautionary tales of the past.

The fireworks ban brings unincorporated areas in line with most neighboring King County cities and jurisdictions with already established fireworks bans.

In coordination with King County, residents can report firework violators to the King County Permitting Division either online (www.kingcounty.gov/reportfireworks) or by phone at 206-848-0800.

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks violations.

“On behalf of the King County Fire Chief’s Association, we hope community members have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July, and please remember: ‘Respect Your Neighbor, Respect the Ban,’” according to a news release.