Is it legal to launch fireworks in Bellingham, Whatcom County? Here’s what the law says
June is coming to an end, which means people across Whatcom County are looking for the best way to enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July. While some people prefer public firework shows, others might want to set off fireworks of their own. Bellingham has strict laws against firework use outside of permitted public displays, but the rules are different across the county. Here’s what you need to know.
Bellingham city law
Consumer fireworks aren’t allowed within Bellingham city limits, according to the city’s municipal code. This includes sparklers and other “safe and sane” fireworks considered legal by the state.
Anyone caught with fireworks in city limits is subject to a fine between $250 and $1,000.
Public firework displays are allowed but organizers have to apply for a permit through the fire department and meet a strict set of criteria.
Lynden, Blaine and Ferndale fireworks
Lynden prohibits all fireworks that aren’t considered “safe and sane.” Legal fireworks can only be set off between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. from July 1 through Jul 3, from 9:00 a.m. to midnight on July 4, and until 9:00 p.m. the following day.
Blaine law has fewer restrictions. Between July 1 and July 4, it’s legal to set off consumer fireworks, except for in the West Blaine area (west of Shintaffer Road, including bodies of water), Blaine Harbor, and city land or parks.
Ferndale allows any consumer firework deemed legal by the state to be set off between 9:00 a.m. and midnight on July 4.
What about Whatcom County law?
In unincorporated Whatcom County, fireworks are allowed between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on July 3 and 5, and between 6:00 p.m. and midnight on July 4. You’re only allowed to set off fireworks that follow state law and are purchased from a location permitted by the county and the state.
While Whatcom County is currently under a burn ban, that doesn’t apply to firework use, according to the county fire marshal’s office.
What types of consumer fireworks are legal in WA?
State law defines consumer fireworks as “any small firework device designed to produce visible effects by combustion” that comply with U.S. consumer safety standards, and gives Washington State Patrol the power to interpret which fireworks meet these criteria.
According to WSP, the following types of consumer fireworks are legal in the state (if allowed by city laws):
Cylindrical fountains
Helicopters and aerial spinners
Cone fountains
Smoke devices
Roman candles
Parachutes
Wheels
Mines, shells and cakes
Ground spinners
Reloadable mortars
Sparklers
Firecrackers, sky rockets and missiles, and bottle rockets, are illegal in Washington state outside of Indian reservations, even though they’re considered legal by federal law.
Owning or using M-80s, tennis ball bombs, cherry bombs or altered fireworks is considered a criminal offense.
Even if you’re otherwise following state regulations, it’s illegal to use fireworks in a way that “creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person or damage to the property of another.”
Firework safety tips
If you’re going to use consumer fireworks, the National Safety Council recommends using them away from people, houses or any flammable material, keeping them away from young children, wearing protective goggles, never using fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and keeping water at hand to extinguish any potential fire, among other tips. You can find a full list of its firework safety tips on its website.