Here’s where and when you can use fireworks in Whatcom County this New Year’s Eve
This story was first published in 2019 but has been updated for 2022/23.
If you’re thinking about ringing in the New Year with fireworks, make sure you’re doing it legally and safely.
First, make sure the fireworks that you have are allowed.
Second, be sure you know where in Whatcom County consumer fireworks can be lit on New Year’s Eve, and where they’re banned.
Finally, make sure you’re being safe.
In 2021, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office received 180 reports of fireworks-related incidents reported by hospitals, clinics, and fire agencies, according to its website. “These incidents resulted in 70 injuries and 110 fires that occurred across Washington State.”
Illegal fireworks
You should light fireworks that are labeled as “Safe and Sane.”
Otherwise, which fireworks are illegal to possess?
The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office says if you buy fireworks from a stand on a Native American reservation, they must stay there. In case that’s not clear enough, the office says you can’t have or fire these fireworks off of tribal land:
▪ Firecrackers.
▪ Bottle rockets.
▪ Missile-type rockets with fins.
▪ Fireworks with sticks or fins.
▪ Mortar shells larger than 1 ¾-inch in diameter.
Additionally, fireworks that are illegal everywhere in the state include M-80s, M-100s, tennis ball bombs, pipe bombs and those that have been altered. Possessing or lighting them could result in criminal charges.
Where you can light them
Bellingham: No. Setting off fireworks in city limits has been banned since 2014.
Blaine: No. But you can participate in the Ring of Fire & Hope at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, along the shores of Birch Bay from Birch Bay State Park to Birch Bay Village. “Find a spot and light your flare right at 7:00 PM. It looks like a beautiful string of Christmas lights surrounding Birch Bay,” according to the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Everson: Yes, as long as it’s from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Ferndale: Yes. People can light fireworks from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Lynden: Yes, from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
City of Nooksack: Yes. The hours you’re allowed to do so are from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Sumas: Yes, from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Unincorporated Whatcom County: Yes, you can from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
National Safety Council Tips
Here’s how to ring in the New Year safely:
▪ Don’t let young children handle fireworks. That includes sparklers, which can burn at about 2,000 degrees or as hot as a blow torch. More than 25% of trips to the emergency room for fireworks injuries were caused by sparklers, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
▪ Older children should use them only under adult supervision.
▪ Wear protective eye-wear if you’re near fireworks. About 14% of fireworks injuries occur to the eyes.
▪ If you’re drinking or doing drugs, don’t light fireworks.
▪ Don’t hold lit fireworks in your hands. Not surprisingly, 31% of fireworks injuries occur on hands or fingers.
▪ Don’t light them indoors.
▪ Do light them away from people, homes and flammable material.
▪ Don’t throw or point fireworks at another person.
▪ Light one at a time and move to a safe distance after lighting.
▪ Don’t light fireworks in a container.
▪ If your firework seems like a dud, don’t try to re-light or handle it.
▪ Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of fire.
▪ Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away.
▪ Don’t light illegal fireworks.
Animal safety
This is what the Whatcom Humane Society recommends pet owners do to help animals that could be startled or scared by loud fireworks.
▪ Don’t take your pets to fireworks displays, regardless of whether the displays are large or small.
▪ Keep pets inside, in a quiet area of the home with a favorite toy. If you’re not there, leave on a TV or radio to keep them company and to muffle the sound of fireworks. Leave their favorite toy, a chew bone or other items to keep them occupied.
▪ Don’t leave pets outside, even in a kennel or fenced yard, because many dogs will dig under or jump over to try to escape loud noises.
▪ Make sure they’re wearing collars and identification tags at all times. If they run off because of the noise and are lost, it’s their best chance of being reunited with you. If they won’t wear a collar, consider having a microchip put in them so they can be identified. The Whatcom Humane Society offers low-cost microchip services.
▪ Protect your horses, livestock and other outdoor animals who could be terrified by noisy fireworks. Secure them in a barn or paddock. Or reinforce fencing on your property.
Learn more: whatcomhumane.org
This story was originally published December 30, 2019 at 12:58 PM.
