Public safety officials want to remind Bellingham residents and visitors that all consumer fireworks are prohibited in the City of Bellingham.
In 2014, the Bellingham City Council adopted an ordinance to ban all consumer fireworks within the City limits. 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 will be $250. Law enforcement and fire officials also have the authority to immediately seize fireworks that are located within the City.
In addition, devices that some call “fireworks” are actually illegal explosive devices that cannot legally be possessed anywhere in the State of Washington. Examples include M-80s or larger, cherry bombs and any improvised device such as a tennis ball bomb. 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, accessible via the City website at www.cob.org.
As in the past, education and enforcement activities are planned this year to make sure residents and visitors are aware of the consumer fireworks ban.
Take advantage of community activities
Numerous community events are planned throughout the region to celebrate Independence Day.
In Bellingham, the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Haggen Food & Pharmacy will provide a community fireworks display and festival with vendor and craft booths, a kids zone, live bands and a beer garden. The celebration is from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Zuanich Point Park, with the fireworks show starting at approximately 10:30 p.m.
We encourage community members to take advantage of this event or other opportunities to celebrate our nation's independence and enjoy large, legal fireworks displays.
