Can I call the cops on my neighbor for fireworks? See WA, Whatcom County rules
For many Washington state residents, the Fourth of July means fireworks.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4.
When and where are you allowed to set off fireworks in Whatcom County? Can you call the cops on your neighbors for breaking the rules?
Here’s what to know:
Which fireworks are illegal in Washington state?
According to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, “federally legal consumer fireworks” in Washington state include:
- Firecrackers
- Sky rockets
- Missiles
“These items are legal to purchase, possess and discharge only at an Indian reservation,” the state agency said.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said illegal explosive devices in Washington state include:
- Bottle rockets
- M-80s
- Improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs
Which fireworks are legal in Washington state?
According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, legal fireworks in Washington state include:
- Cylindrical and cone fountains
- Helicopters and aerial spinners
- Smoke devices
- Roman candles
- Parachutes
- Wheels
- Mines
- Shells
- Ground spinners
- Sparklers
When can I buy Fourth of July fireworks in Washington state?
In Washington state, legal fireworks go on sale for the Independence Day holiday at noon on June 28, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
On that day, fireworks can be discharged from noon to 11 p.m.
Fireworks can be legally sold and set off from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3, the state agency said.
On July 4, you can buy fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and launch them from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Fireworks sales are allowed on July 5 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you can legally discharge them from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Washington state also allows fireworks sales and use in late December and early January for New Year’s Eve.
What are rules for fireworks Whatcom County?
In 2015, the Whatcom County Council set an ordinance limiting when fireworks can legally be set off in unincorporated areas of the county.
Here’s when fireworks are allowed:
- July 3: 6 to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 6 p.m. to midnight
- July 5: 6 to 11 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1
Are fireworks banned in Bellingham?
In Whatcom County, fireworks regulations vary by municipality.
Manufacturing, selling and possessing fireworks are banned within Bellingham city limits, according to the city’s municipal code.
You’re also not allowed to “make a public display of fireworks” without getting permission in advance from the chief of the Bellingham Fire Department, the code says.
Fireworks are also prohibited on all state park lands, including “the sections of ocean beaches in front of a state park,” according to Washington State Parks.
When can I set off fireworks in Ferndale? Lynden?
So-called “consumer fireworks” are allowed in Blaine, Everson, Ferndale and Lynden at certain days at times, according to those cities’ municipal codes.
In Blaine, you can only set off fireworks on one day of the year — July 4, from 10 a.m. to midnight.
Here’s when you can set off personal fireworks shows in Everson:
- July 3: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight
- July 5: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1
Ferndale limits fireworks use to two days: 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4, and 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Lynden allows fireworks use within city limits on the following dates:
- July 1 through July 3: 9 am. to 11 p.m.
- July 4: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 31: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Jan. 1
How do I report illegal fireworks use in Bellingham area?
The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office said it assists the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office with the “enforcement of fireworks discharge regulations.”
You can reach the Fire Marshal’s Office by phone at 360-778-5903, or the Sheriff’s Office at 360-778-6600.
You can also call the non-emergency line at 360-676-6911 to be connected to the Whatcom County 911 dispatch team.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
What are penalties for breaking fireworks rules?
In Washington state, it’s against the law to “discharge or use fireworks in a reckless manner“ that creates a “substantial risk of death or serious physical injury” for people or property damage, the Revised Code of Washington says.
Violating the law is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 90 days in county jail.
If you’re caught violating a city ordinance in Bellingham, you could face fines of $100 to $1,000.
Using fireworks in a state park or nearby Seashore Conservation Area beaches will result in a $99 citation, State Parks said.
This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM.