Whatcom County considering limiting personal fireworks beyond Bellingham
Whatcom County officials are considering tougher limits on personal fireworks use in rural areas outside cities, citing residents’ concerns about fires, damage to the environment, the psychological effects of noise on people and pets, and injuries caused by fireworks.
A measure that would allow fireworks only on Independence Day and on New Year’s Eve was introduced on a 5-2 vote Tuesday night. Further, fireworks would be prohibited when weather conditions cause fire officials to impose a burn ban.
“(There are) a lot of impacts that folks don’t necessarily think about when they’re experiencing the joy of lighting off a firework,” Councilmember Kaylee Galloway said during committee discussion of the proposed measure Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday’s vote sets a public hearing and possible vote on the measure when the County Council meets at 6 p.m. June 23 at the County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave.
Councilmembers Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler voted against bringing the ordinance to a vote.
Elenbaas pointed out that the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office has set a stage 1 burn ban starting Monday. Recent years have seen burn bans declared in mid- to late June, he said.
“We’re functionally disallowing fireworks if this trend continues,” Elenbaas said.
State law sets the dates and hours that fireworks can be sold and discharged — generally during the daytime and evening hours from June 28 to July 5 and from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1.
Government agencies are allowed to enact more restrictive measures. Whatcom County toughened its rules most recently in 2015. The city of Bellingham has banned fireworks sales and use altogether within city limits, but other local governments are less restrictive.
A section of the proposed ordinance allows for commercial pyrotechnic displays.
