As July Fourth rapidly approaches, Bellingham city officials are reminding residents that consumer fireworks — including fountains, sparklers, smokeballs and ground-spinning fireworks bought in Whatcom County — are prohibited within city limits, and have been since 2014.
Fines for using personal fireworks in Bellingham range from $250 to $1,000, though certain “fireworks,” including cherry bombs or M-80s, can bring heftier fines and felony charges, Bellingham’s Fire Marshal Shawn Linville wrote in an announcement.
“Devices that some may refer to as ‘fireworks’ are actually illegal explosive devices that cannot legally be possessed anywhere in the State of Washington,” Linville wrote.
Temporary fireworks stands, where residents can purchase personal fireworks, have popped up across the county.
Jurisdictions in Whatcom County have different rules about fireworks sales and possession.
In unincorporated Whatcom County, fireworks can be discharged 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, July 3; 6 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, July 4; and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 5.
In Blaine, fireworks can be sold from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 1–4, and can be discharged from 10 a.m. to midnight on July Fourth.
Everson allows fireworks sales from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. through July 3, and sales from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Residents can fire fireworks in Everson under the same conditions as in unincorporated Whatcom County.
Ferndale allows sales from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 1 through July 4, and allows residents to set off fireworks on July Fourth from 9 a.m. until midnight.
Lynden follows state law on fireworks sales, and allows residents to set off fireworks from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. July 1–3, from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4, and from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on July 5.
Sumas, too, follows state law on sales and discharge periods.
Though residents may not be allowed to set off fireworks at their own discretion, fireworks shows will be held in cities across the country to celebrate the United States’ 247th birthday.
The largest celebration in Whatcom County will be in Bellingham, at the 4th of July Celebration at Zuanich Point Park. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., will feature live music, vendors, a beer garden, family-friendly games and fireworks over Bellingham Bay.
Outside of Bellingham, Whatcom County residents will be able to enjoy fireworks displays at Semiahmoo Resort and the Peace Arch dock in Blaine.
