Whatcom County advises you avoid this popular July 4 fireworks spot
Whatcom County is asking people to avoid visiting Birch Bay for July 4 festivities this year, according to a news release.
Birch Bay usually welcomes festive gatherings and fireworks during the July 4 holiday. However, the county is still in Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan, meaning large gatherings are prohibited.
The Whatcom County Health Department is advising people to avoid Birch Bay to protect health and safety, the release read.
“We know traditions like these are fun, celebratory and very meaningful for a lot of people but it’s simply not safe this year,” said Whatcom County Health Department director Erika Lautenbach in the release. “It could put many others at risk, including the people who call Birch Bay home.”
Birch Bay residents are over 50 years old on average, making them at higher risk for COVID-19 complications, according to the release. Additionally, large gatherings and parties have been linked to the spread of the novel coronavirus in the county, so any such gatherings are concerning.
Rather than attend large gatherings, people should limit themselves to groups no larger than 5 people outside their household, the release said. People are also advised to gather outdoors, wear a mask, maintain physical distance and avoid sharing food and drinks.
The Whatcom County Sheriff will not turn people away from Birch Bay, said Lt. Rodger Funk. Deputies may clear the area if gatherings poses a risk to public safety, but that would be true of any year, he added.
Whatcom County will allow people to discharge consumer fireworks from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 3, from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 4, and from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.
In anticipation of some people disregarding the county advisory, Birch Bay community leaders are calling on volunteers to help clean up the area on July 5 and 6.
Volunteers need to RSVP through an online forum and arrive with gloves and face masks, according to a news release by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center.
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