BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – With the Fourth of July holiday around the corner, local officials are reminding folks about fireworks laws in our region.

The City of Bellingham has a ban on all fireworks set off within city limits, unless it’s been pre-approved as a public display.

Legally purchased fireworks are allowed to be used in unincorporated parts of Whatcom County beginning July 3.

As of this year, those now include sky lanterns that are anchored by a string or cord.

Setting off fireworks in unincorporated Whatcom County is allowed from 6 to 11 p.m. on July 3 and 5, and from 6 to 12 a.m. on July 4.

Other types of fireworks, such as bottle rockets and firecrackers, are only allowed to be purchased and used on tribal lands.

Improvised explosive devices and dynamite based explosives are illegal in all of Washington state.