Fireworks prohibited in Arlington, Marysville

Fireworks are now banned in the city limits of both Marysville and Arlington, with Arlington’s prohibition going into effect this year.

City of Arlington’s Laws

This is the first year that fireworks will be banned in Arlington.

There is a minimum fine of $103 for those issued a citation and fireworks can be confiscated by the police as well.

“We’re trying to put out some information now” to help people understand the new laws, said Paul Ellis, Arlington’s city administrator.

That outreach work includes three billboard trailers in town that are being moved around the city with reminders about the new law.

“The police will be putting out some extra patrols during that day,” said Ellis.

The new ordinance only applies within Arlington city limits.

“If you live on the edge of the city, you may still be close to those unincorporated areas where they are legal,” said Ellis.

People who see fireworks being discharged in their neighborhood can call the non-emergency line at 425-407-3999 to report.

“It’s best to call the non-emergency number if you see fireworks, so we’re not plugging up the emergency line,” said Ellis.

The city plans to have staff that night to answer calls to the number.

Arlington’s law was enacted after discussions by the Arlington City Council that began in 2019.

“Every year it seems like we’ve had these conversations after the Fourth of July,” said Ellis. “There are mixed feelings about fireworks, some like them and some people don’t."

An advisory vote in November 2019 approved of banning fireworks with 50.7 percent approval.

“This is the trend with most of the cities in Snohomish County,” said Ellis.

“Even in the unincorporated areas of the county they are having these discussions,” although those considerations are only for the more urbanized and growing parts of unincorporated Snohomish County, he said.

Arlington’s public fireworks display at Quake Park will remain in place and is planned for 10 p.m. on July 4.

City of Marysville’s Laws

“Since 2017 personal use of all fireworks has been illegal in city limits,” said Connie Mennie, communications administrator with the city of Marysville. “The only exception is for the large fireworks displays permitted by the fire marshal."

Between 2017 and 2019 Marysville police issued 103 tickets for fireworks violations.

“For the first couple of years the police took a more educational approach,” said Mennie. “Now they are in an enforcement approach."

In 2020 the Marysville Police Department received 214 calls about fireworks and issued 31 citations.

“People are sometimes frustrated that their neighbor didn’t get a ticket,” said Mennie, but to issue a ticket an officer has to directly see an individual lighting off a firework or possessing them, which can be difficult.

Mennie said sometimes people hear fireworks in the distance that could be coming from the Tulalip reservation or outside city limits, where fireworks are legal.

Those that see fireworks can call the non-emergency number at 425-407-3999.

Marysville’s law banning fireworks took effect in 2017.

“This was a process that took several years,” said Mennie. “There were many citizens who wanted us to outlaw fireworks but also many who didn’t want that."

A November 2015 advisory vote showed 59 percent of voters in favor of banning fireworks.

“I would suggest that people can watch fireworks at our public fireworks show,” said Mennie, which will be visible in the downtown area.