Bellingham, WA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 10.24 (Offenses Against Public Order) prohibits all consumer fireworks at BMC 10.24.130 (Fireworks prohibited). The ordinance provides that, except as otherwise provided in the chapter, no person may manufacture, import, possess, or sell fireworks at wholesale or retail for any use, except that any person desiring to make a public display of fireworks shall apply in writing to the chief of the fire department at least 10 days in advance. The ban extends to all consumer fireworks - including fountains, sparklers, smokeballs, and ground-spinning fireworks commonly referred to as 'safe and sane' fireworks, in addition to rockets, aerial missiles, roman candles, and other projectile fireworks - and includes fireworks legally purchased at fireworks stands elsewhere in Whatcom County once they are inside Bellingham. Any person who possesses, discharges, or otherwise uses consumer fireworks in the city is guilty of a civil infraction subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, with a minimum civil penalty of $250. The Washington State Fireworks Law (RCW Chapter 70.77) provides the state framework that authorizes local jurisdictions to further restrict consumer fireworks; RCW 70.77.485 makes unlawful possession of fireworks a misdemeanor (less than one pound) or gross misdemeanor (one pound or more). Bellingham's local ban has been in place for more than a decade and operates year-round, including the statewide consumer-fireworks windows around July 4 and December 31. Law enforcement may immediately seize any fireworks found within city limits. BMC 17.20.070 separately incorporates IFC Chapter 56 (Explosives) for commercial explosives and large-scale pyrotechnics.