Whatcom County may limit personal fireworks in rural areas. Here’s what to know

Whatcom County officials are weighing tougher restrictions on personal fireworks use outside city limits, responding to residents’ concerns about fires, environmental damage, noise and injuries. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance is set for later this month.

FULL STORY: Whatcom County considering limiting personal fireworks beyond Bellingham

Here are key takeaways:

• The proposed measure would allow personal fireworks only on Independence Day and New Year’s Eve, and would prohibit them entirely when fire officials impose a burn ban.
• The County Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to advance the ordinance. A public hearing and possible vote is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 23 at the County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave.
• Councilmembers Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler voted against the measure. Elenbaas noted the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office has set a stage 1 burn ban starting Monday, saying, “We’re functionally disallowing fireworks if this trend continues.”
• State law generally permits fireworks sales and use from June 28 to July 5 and Dec. 27 to Jan. 1. Bellingham has banned fireworks within city limits, while other local governments are less restrictive.
• A section of the proposed ordinance still allows commercial pyrotechnic displays.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.