Are fireworks legal in Whatcom County? Here’s what you need to know before 4th of July
The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and as you plan your BBQ and party, you may want to check Whatcom County laws before buying fireworks.
This time of year, fireworks stands seem to pop up, selling a variety of fireworks and smoke bombs you won’t be able to use in certain parts of Whatcom County.
Whatcom County fireworks laws
Whatcom County’s website provides guidelines for purchasing and using fireworks:
▪ Illegal fireworks are not permitted, and only consumer fireworks sold at a Washington State licensed and Whatcom County permitted fireworks stand are allowed in the county. These generally include a wide variety of sparklers, ground spinners, smoke bombs and the like. The Washington State Patrol has a list of which fireworks are legal and illegal.
▪ Rockets, firecrackers, bottle rockets and missiles are only legal to possess and light on tribal lands. These fireworks are illegal in Washington State and Whatcom County, and become illegal when they are possessed or used off tribal lands.
▪ Legal fireworks can only be used during certain dates and times in Whatcom County: 6-11 p.m. on July 3, 6 p.m. to midnight on July 4, 6-11 p.m. on July 5 and 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on December 31.
Whatcom County cities have varying rules and regulations on lighting fireworks:
Bellingham fireworks laws
No consumer fireworks are allowed in Bellingham, including sparklers, fountains, smoke balls and ground-spinning fireworks. Roman candles, rockets and all projectile fireworks are also prohibited, according to The City of Bellingham’s website.
Many of these laws are rooted in safety and wildfire concerns.
In Bellingham it is also illegal to manufacture, possess, import, sell, use or transport fireworks, according to Bellingham Municipal Code 10.24.130.
For other cities and Whatcom County area laws, a list of regulations for each location is on the Washington State Patrol’s website.
This story was originally published June 26, 2023 at 8:24 AM.
