Blaine and Birch Bay firework rules

The Fourth of July holiday is near, which means people are stocking up on fireworks, ready to light up the summer sky.

But with that explosive celebration comes huge, and sometimes fatal, risk. According to a June 25 statement from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks were the cause of 11 deaths and 14,700 emergency room visits in 2024.

Most of those deaths involved misuse and device malfunctions, according to the CPSC. Those figures constitute a 38 percent increase in death and 52 increase in injury compared to 2023.

CPSC recommends never allowing children to handle fireworks – including sparklers. It also recommends keeping a bucket of water or charged garden hose ready in case of fire, lighting fireworks one at a time, and never using fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Within the city limits of Blaine, city code allows for the discharge of fireworks from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4. However, fireworks are prohibited west of Shintaffer Road, Semiahmoo Spit, Port of Bellingham property including the Blaine Harbor, and public parks and property (excluding public streets in areas allowed for fireworks). It is also illegal to sell or purchase fireworks within city limits, other than from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 1-4.

In unincorporated Whatcom County, fireworks are permitted 6-11 p.m. July 3 and July 5. and from 6 p.m. to midnight July 4. Firework purchase and use is completely banned in the city of Bellingham.