As postseason excitement continues, recent patterns suggest future “boom” reports may follow Seahawks wins rather than emergencies.
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Loud booms heard across Bellingham and north into Blaine over the weekend prompted a wave of social media posts, with residents initially questioning whether explosions or emergencies had occurred.
Those that had just watched the Seattle Seahawks defeat the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship knew why folks were hearing loud booms outside.
Community reports and follow-up posts quickly identified the sounds as fireworks, continuing a familiar pattern tied to celebrations and Seattle Seahawks wins the last few weeks.
Residents Report Loud Booms in Multiple Neighborhoods
People across several Bellingham neighborhoods reported sudden, powerful noises that sounded close to homes and apartments.
“I live on Douglas Ave and it was so loud it sounded like it was outside my window,” one Reddit user wrote in a post shared after the most recent incident on Tuesday evening, Jan. 27.
Other users reported hearing similar booms in Happy Valley, Sunnyland, and near Western Washington University. Some described the noises as explosive enough to rattle windows or startle pets.
Social Media Identifies Fireworks Near WWU
Students near Western Washington University quickly identified at least one source.
“Hey WWU here at Birnam Wood, was fireworks,” one user wrote. “Someone was setting them off outside their window to celebrate a birthday and they posted it all over YikYak.”
That explanation helped calm speculation in several threads, though additional posts continued as reports spread across other neighborhoods.
Happy Valley Thread Draws Dozens of Responses
A separate Reddit thread titled “Happy Valley Booms” was posted after one user described hearing two loud blasts.
“Never thought I’d make a boom post, but two INSANELY loud booms just went off in Happy Valley,” the user wrote. “Sounded like an explosion??”
Replies ranged from humor to confirmation.
“There’s been a bunch of different boom posts from all different neighborhoods lol. I think we’re getting raptured,” one commenter joked.
Another added, “I always think these posts are dumb but I also heard this and they really were loud.”
Seahawks Win Triggers Fireworks in Blaine
In Blaine, residents reported sustained fireworks rather than isolated booms.
Several people in The Ridge neighborhood said fireworks followed the Seahawks’ NFC Championship win, with celebratory blasts continuing for roughly 20 minutes after the game ended.
One resident said the noise traveled well beyond the immediate area.
“Scared the poop out of the dawg, here in Blaine,” the commenter wrote. “Thought they couldn’t sell those big M-80s any more.”
Other users connected the sounds directly to the Seahawks victory.
“That boom was a firework,” one person wrote. “Cuz otherwise no one would know the Hawks won.”
No Emergency Response Reported
Police and fire agencies did not report explosions, fires, or property damage connected to the booms. Officials did not issue alerts or public statements, consistent with previous weekends when similar reports stemmed from fireworks despite calls showing up on PulsePoint.
Fireworks remain legal during limited periods, though large explosive-style fireworks are restricted within city limits. Enforcement typically depends on complaints and officers witnessing violations in progress.
As Seahawks excitement continues towards the championship game in a couple of weeks, recent patterns suggest future “boom” reports may follow.
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