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Bellingham, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Consumer fireworks
banned citywide
Public displays
permit from fire chief only
Lake Whatcom watershed
no display permits allowed
Penalty range
$250–$1,000 civil infraction

Summary

Bellingham bans manufacturing, importing, possessing, selling, transporting, or publicly displaying fireworks citywide; only a licensed public display (never in the Lake Whatcom watershed) and trick or novelty items are permitted.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person may: 1. Manufacture, import, possess, or sell fireworks at wholesale or retail for any use; 2. Make a public display of fireworks; or 3. Transport fireworks, except as a licensee or as a public carrier delivering to a licensee. ... G. Any person who possesses, discharges, or otherwise uses consumer fireworks in the city shall be guilty of a civil infraction and subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000. The minimum civil penalty shall be $250.00.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

BMC 10.24.130 incorporates the state fireworks law (Chapter 70.77 RCW) and then bars anyone from manufacturing, importing, possessing, or selling fireworks at wholesale or retail, making a public display of fireworks, or transporting fireworks except as a licensee or a carrier delivering to one. A public display requires a written application to the fire chief at least 10 days ahead, and no display permit may issue within the Lake Whatcom watershed. Trick or novelty devices not classified as consumer fireworks remain legal. Anyone who possesses, discharges, or uses consumer fireworks in the city commits a civil infraction with a penalty of $250 to $1,000; any other violation of the section is a gross misdemeanor.

Violations & Fines

Civil infraction, $250 to $1,000 civil penalty, for possessing/discharging/using consumer fireworks under BMC 10.24.130(G); other violations of the section are a gross misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fireworks legal in Bellingham?
No. BMC 10.24.130 bans possessing, discharging, or using consumer fireworks citywide; only licensed public displays and non-consumer trick or novelty items are allowed.
Can I get a fireworks display permit near Lake Whatcom?
No. BMC 10.24.130(C) specifically bars public display permits within the Lake Whatcom watershed, regardless of the applicant.

Sources & Official References

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All Bellingham rules

How Bellingham compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview

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