Parks staff offer reminders, tips and rules for fireworks and use of state parks
OLYMPIA – June 22, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages safe and responsible gatherings in state parks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
Parks urges visitors to:
- Know before you go – Check for park closures and alerts before heading out.
- Leave no trace – Garbage receptacles may be available, but visitors should plan to pack out trash and anything they have brought with them. All fireworks must be fully extinguished before visitors dispose of them.
- Practice fire safety – Fires must be small, contained and at least 100 feet from the dunes and extinguished before leaving.
- Respect beach closures – There may be beach driving closures in areas designated to protect wildlife and marine habitat.
- Depart beaches by 11:00 p.m. – Avoid getting you and your car stuck in incoming high tides.
- Keep our beaches beautiful – We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love. Opportunities include volunteering for a beach cleanup on July 5.
Although personal fireworks may be legal on ocean beaches, State Parks, partners and law enforcement wish to remind people that fireworks are illegal on state park lands, including on beaches in front of Washington state parks.
Fireworks are also banned in forests, wildlife reserves and some cities, towns and counties. The City of Ocean Shores only allows fireworks on the beach in front of the city; only on July 2 and July 3, noon to 11 p.m. and July 4, noon to midnight, only between Damon Road and Marine View Drive. The City of Ocean Shores prohibits the discharge of fireworks within city limits. Additionally, the City of Westport has banned the use of fireworks within city limits and on all beaches.
For those visiting state parks, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.
On beaches where no restrictions exist, consumer fireworks may be used or discharged within the following timeframes:
- June 28: Noon to 11 p.m.
- June 29 – July 3: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
News media contacts:
Emily Masseth, Communications Consultant, media@parks.wa.gov
Jay Carmony, Assistant Southwest Region Manager, Jay.Carmony@parks.wa.gov, (360) 725-9773
Valerie Roberts, Volunteer Program Specialist, Valerie.Roberts@parks.wa.gov, (360) 902-8612
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About Seashore conservation area
Washington State Parks manages the Seashore Conservation Area, which includes numerous camping and day-use parks from Pacific Beach south to Cape Disappointment State Park. The Seashore Conservation Area was established in 1967 to provide and preserve recreational use on Washington’s coast for generations to come.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 22-030