Can you set off fireworks for New Year’s? Here’s what Whatcom County, Bellingham law say
Fireworks might be most closely associated with the Fourth of July, but it isn’t uncommon to see them on New Year’s Eve either. While they’re typically illegal under Washington law, New Year’s is one of the two times when you’re allowed to set fireworks off in the state, although Bellingham city law has a stricter prohibition. Here’s what county and city law say.
Whatcom County fireworks law
In unincorporated Whatcom County, you’re allowed to set off fireworks on four nights of the year: July 3, 4 and 5, and Dec. 31. You’ll have between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. to set off your fireworks before they’re prohibited once again.
Under county law, you can only use fireworks that were sold at a stand with the proper permits and that fall under one of the categories of firework permitted by state law.
Fireworks prohibited in Bellingham
Within Bellingham proper, all consumer fireworks are prohibited, even on the Fourth of July and New Year’s. Only public firework displays that have received the proper permits are allowed.
Violations are punishable by a fine between $250 and $1,000. Further penalties are possible, depending on whether or not the fireworks put anyone in danger. State law classifies the reckless use of fireworks as a gross misdemeanor.
What about other cities in Whatcom County?
Like the county, Lynden allows fireworks around both the Fourth of July and New Year’s. As long as they’re used in a safe way and follow state regulations, fireworks can be set off between 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. They can be sold or purchased between noon and 11 p.m. each day between Dec. 27 and Dec. 31.
Ferndale law also permits the use of consumer fireworks on both July 4 and New Year’s Eve. However, you’re only allowed to purchase fireworks in city limits between July 1 and 4. The cities of Everson, Nooksack and Sumas all follow state on the matter — fireworks can be used on New Year’s Eve but they have to be purchased between June 28 and July 4.
While Blaine city law contains an exception to its fireworks ban for the Fourth of July, it doesn’t have one for New Year’s.
Which fireworks are legal in Washington?
According to Washington State Patrol, 12 types of consumer fireworks are legal in Washington, as long as their sale and use follows state law:
- Cylindrical fountains
- Helicopters and aerial spinners
- Cone fountains
- Smoke devices
- Roman candles
- Ground spinners
- Parachutes
- Wheels
- Mines, cakes and shells
- Reloadable mortars
- Dipped sticks and sparklers
- Trick or novelty devices
While they’re legal under federal law, firecrackers, bottle rockets and sky rockets or missiles are prohibited in Washington.
Firework safety tips
If you do choose to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that you take these safety precautions:
- Don’t let children use fireworks, including sparklers
- Check that your using fireworks that are legal in your area and labeled for consumer use
- Don’t use fireworks if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Have water on hand when using fireworks
- Only light one firework at a time
- If a firework malfunctions, soak it with water and don’t try to use it again
- Make sure no part of your body is ever directly above the firework while you’re lighting it
- Don’t point fireworks at anyone
- Douse used fireworks with water before throwing away