Bellingham Enforces Fireworks Ban for 2026 Fourth of July

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  Bellingham has maintained a ban on all consumer fireworks within city limits for over a decade“To protect residents and visitors, the City of Bellingham has prohibited all consumer fireworks for more than a decade. That ban remains firmly in place this year.”
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  The prohibition remains in effect for the 2026 Independence Day celebrations“That ban remains firmly in place this year.”
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  The ban covers all types of fireworks, including fountains, sparklers, Roman candles, and illegal explosives such as M-80s“Some explosives also referred 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.”
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  Violators facing civil infractions of up to $1,000“Any person who violates the consumer fireworks ban will be subject to a civil infraction with a fine of up to $1,000.”
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  Fire Chief Bill Hewett emphasized that Bellingham offers a professional Fourth of July fireworks display““Bellingham has one of the best Fourth of July shows in the region,” said Bellingham Fire Chief Bill Hewett.”
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  The display is at the Peoples Fourth of July Spectacular at Zuanich Point Park“Enjoy a fireworks display over Bellingham Bay at the annual 2026 Peoples Fourth of July Spectacular at Zuanich Point Park.”
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  The display is hosted by the Port of Bellingham and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce“Enjoy a fireworks display over Bellingham Bay at the annual 2026 Peoples Fourth of July Spectacular at Zuanich Point Park. This event is hosted by the Port of Bellingham, Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other partners.”
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  Law enforcement will conduct extra patrols from July 2–4“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.”
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  The patrols are to address fireworks-related complaints“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.”
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  The City’s Municipal Code outlines the fireworks ban“More details about current fireworks regulations are found in Bellingham’s Municipal Code.”
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  The ban also prohibits fireworks legally purchased outside Bellingham but brought into the city“The ban also includes any fireworks legally purchased at fireworks stands elsewhere in Whatcom County.”
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  Illegal explosives, including cherry bombs and M-80s, are banned statewide“Some explosives also referred 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.”
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  Illegal explosives, including cherry bombs and M-80s, can lead to felony charges if possessed or discharged“Felony charges can be brought against people found guilty of possessing or discharging illegal explosives.”