Bellingham bans all consumer fireworks. Birch Bay, Ferndale, Blaine and Everson allow them under specific hours. (Photo: Bellingham Fire Department)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Fire departments across Whatcom County are reminding residents that just because fireworks are on sale, does not necessarily mean they can legally use them where they live.
Consumer fireworks remain illegal throughout Bellingham, even though licensed stands have opened across the county. Other cities also limit where and when residents may light fireworks.
Local fire officials encourage residents to skip backyard displays and attend one of the county’s professional fireworks shows instead.
Bellingham Prohibits All Consumer Fireworks
The Bellingham Fire Department says all consumer fireworks are illegal within city limits. That includes sparklers, fountains, Roman candles and aerial fireworks. The ban also applies to fireworks purchased legally elsewhere in Whatcom County.
Every year, our firefighters respond to preventable injuries and fires caused by consumer fireworks.
— Bellingham Fire Department
Instead, officials encourage residents to watch the 2026 Peoples Bank Fourth of July Spectacular over Bellingham Bay at Zuanich Point Park.
Where Fireworks Are Legal in Whatcom County
Residents who want to legally use consumer fireworks must travel to jurisdictions that allow them and follow local restrictions.
July 4: 6 p.m. – midnight
July 5: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Celebrate the Fourth at Public Events Across Whatcom County
For those looking to celebrate without lighting fireworks at home, communities across Whatcom County are hosting family-friendly events throughout the holiday.
Bellingham will once again host the Peoples Bank Fourth of July Spectacular at Zuanich Point Park. The annual celebration includes live music, games, face painting, food vendors and family activities before the evening fireworks display over Bellingham Bay.
Blaine will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with its annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration, the county’s largest Independence Day event. Festivities include a pancake breakfast, street fair with more than 100 vendors, a noon parade, classic car show, Kid Zone, live music, beer garden and a 10 p.m. fireworks show over Semiahmoo Bay. The celebration begins July 3 with the Freedom Eve Concert at Borderite Stadium featuring Brushpopper and Uncle Lucius.
Those looking for a unique vantage point can also board the San Juan Cruises Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise. The evening cruise departs from Bellingham and includes dinner while sailing through Chuckanut and Bellingham bays before anchoring near Squalicum Harbor for a waterfront view of the fireworks.
At the waterfront, Hotel Bellwether will host its annual Blues, Brews & BBQ celebration featuring live music by Baby Cakes, a barbecue dinner and front-row views of the Bellingham Bay fireworks display.
Fire Departments Urge Residents to Celebrate Safely
Even where fireworks are legal, emergency responders encourage residents to use caution.
Officials recommend having a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher ready before lighting fireworks, supervising children closely and disposing of spent fireworks only after they have cooled completely.
With warm, dry summer conditions arriving across Western Washington, fire departments say a few simple precautions can help prevent injuries and fires while allowing everyone to safely celebrate the Fourth of July.
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