New rules for Fourth of July fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County

Under new rules, unincorporated Pierce County will soon move from five days of being able set off Fourth of July fireworks to just one.

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When the celebration rolls around in 2023, people in unincorporated Pierce County will be allowed to light fireworks only on July 4.

“Changing dates modifies the ability for people to celebrate. This is celebrating our country, and we’ve already modified the dates,” said Randy Curly, TNT fireworks manager, as he was pleading the case to councilmembers this week against the legislation.

The council did vote to also allow fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Beginning in 2023, personal fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County can only be set off on July 4 and New Year’s Eve, according to new legislation passed by the Pierce County Council. Right now, fireworks are legal in unincorporated Pierce County from July 1 through July 5, and none are allowed on New Year’s Eve.

“Because fireworks will be allowed on New Year’s Eve, the proposal expands the dates when fireworks may be sold to now, in addition, noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 27 through Dec. 31,” said William Bridges, Pierce County policy analyst.

The new law also says the fire marshal and county executive can temporarily ban the lighting of fireworks if it’s too dry or if a ban is necessary to protect public safety due to unsafe conditions.

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The fire marshal is expected to return to the council by April 2022 with an outline of how soon before July 4 a ban could be issued, knowing that consumers typically buy fireworks as soon as stands open.