City officials remind Bellingham residents and visitors that all consumer fireworks are prohibited within the City of Bellingham. This includes fountains, sparklers, smokeballs and ground-spinning fireworks commonly referred to as “safe and sane” fireworks, in addition to rockets, aerial missiles, roman candles and other projectile fireworks.
Education and enforcement activities are planned this year — including extra patrols July 2-4 for fireworks complaints — to help ensure residents and visitors are aware of Bellingham’s fireworks ban, which has been in place for more than a decade.
Those who wish to enjoy fireworks are encouraged to attend public displays, such as the fireworks display over Bellingham Bay presented as part of the annual 4th of July Spectacular, planned this year at Zuanich Point Park and hosted by the Port of Bellingham, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and other partners. Other Independence Day 2024 event listings can be found on the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism calendar at bellingham.org
The Bellingham City Council ordinance banning all consumer fireworks within the City limits includes any fireworks legally purchased at fireworks stands elsewhere in Whatcom County. Any person who violates the consumer fireworks ban will be subject to a civil infraction with a fine of up to $1,000. The minimum fine is $250. Law enforcement officials also have the authority to immediately seize fireworks that are located within the City.
Devices that some may refer to as “fireworks” are actually illegal explosive devices that cannot legally be possessed anywhere in the State of Washington. Examples of illegal explosives include M-80s, cherry bombs, and any improvised explosive device. Felony charges can be brought against people found guilty of possessing or discharging illegal explosives.
More details about current fireworks regulations are found in Bellingham Municipal Code 10.24.130.
