In June 2015, the Sleepy Hollow Fire burned 3,000 acres and destroyed 29 homes in Wenatchee, a fruit warehouse and a recycling center. The fire prompted municipalities to begin initiating fireworks bans in Chelan and Douglas counties.

In 2024, the U.S. Forest Service completed a report that listed the communities in Washington most-threatened by wildfire. Many communities in north central Washington were listed in that report. At the top of the list is Leavenworth.

And, in 2024, a wildfire in the Horse Lake Reserve burned 250 acres and forced evacuations near Wenatchee. It was started by fireworks. Charges are pending in that case, according to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office.

Our dry, arid climate and brush-heavy landscape make us prone to destructive brushfires and wildfires.

No. It doesn’t matter where you bought your fireworks, they are illegal to ignite here in Chelan and Douglas counties.

The only exception is in the city limits of Rock Island, located in Douglas County. According to the city of Rock Island city code: Common fireworks that are permitted to be sold by retailers within the city of Rock Island may be discharged within the city between the hours of 1 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on July 3 and July 4.

Save your fireworks for New Year’s Eve. In unincorporated Chelan and Douglas counties, you can ignite fireworks during designated hours on Dec. 31. If you live in city limits, check with your local municipality if you wish to use fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Call RiverCom’s business line at 509-663-9911 to report fireworks being used at any time other than New Year’s Eve. Never call 911 to make a noise or fireworks complaint. Do call 911 to report an injury from fireworks or a fire started by fireworks.

Yes, sparklers are also banned. In fact, sparklers caused nearly as many trips to the emergency room as firecrackers in 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sparklers can burn from 900 degrees to 3,000 degrees. They can cause serious injuries to the hands, eyes, face, arms and chest.

Substitute glowsticks for sparklers! Glowsticks can stay lighted for up to 10 hours, they come in a variety of fun colors and shapes, and they are much safer.

People who choose not to abide by the fireworks ban put a strain on both law enforcement and firefighting. Our local first responders are very busy on the Fourth of July holiday, responding to a variety of calls throughout the two counties. One wildfire may require a heavy response from both fire and law enforcement, who may be tied up in other calls. Don’t play a hand in creating more problems on an already busy holiday.

Punishments vary by jurisdiction. Contact a city or county directly for the specific punishment.

When someone ignites a wildfire, regardless of whether it was arson or an accident, local fire districts and state and federal agencies are allowed to pursue reimbursement for manpower and resources used. If you damage private or public property, you are responsible for any losses. If an emergency responder is injured while responding to the fire, you also may be held accountable.