Where Flathead Valley revelers can and can't use pyrotechnics

Authorities are sounding the alarm when it comes to fireworks use in the Flathead Valley.

Many of the larger municipalities, such as Kalispell and Columbia Falls, prohibit the sale and use of fireworks within city limits.

However, Whitefish allows both. Currently, personal fireworks can be used in Whitefish between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 3 and 4 under the city ordinance. Fines for violating the city ordinance are $300 for the first offense and $500 or imprisonment for subsequent offense. Whitefish also allows the sale of fireworks within the city from noon to 8 p.m. on July 2, 3 and 4. Those who have complaints about fireworks can contact Whitefish Police at 863-2420.

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said he just wants people to “responsibly celebrate the Fourth of July.”

“It’s always a very busy week for our department, but we just want everyone to be safe,” Heino said. “So far, it’s been kind of quiet, but we anticipate that will change. Fortunately, there isn’t a whole lot of dry tinder out there now with the rain we’ve been getting.”

Heino said fines for violations will vary depending on the offense, which are classified as misdemeanors.

Heino also said his department will be using extra patrols for DUI enforcement and criminal response.

“We will be enforcing all criminal statutes involving misuse of fireworks and will have a no-tolerance policy,” Heino said.

The Hungry Horse area will be a focus of the department due to a recent history of criminal activity, dangerous situations and several severe injuries to both citizens and deputies, Heino noted.

“Historically Hungry Horse Boulevard and surrounding Hungry Horse area has been a popular gathering place for citizens to celebrate and deploy fireworks,” Heino said. “The Sheriff’s Office wishes to embrace this in the spirit of tradition and community, but due to a recent history of criminal activity, dangerous situations and several severe injuries to both citizens and deputies, there will be a no tolerance policy and a mobile jail for arrests.”

Barriers will be used to minimize vehicular traffic on Hungry Horse Boulevard for the safety of pedestrian traffic for those attending. It is normally illegal to deploy fireworks on a public roadway; however, to embrace this historic event, the Sheriff’s Office will temporarily allow the safe use of fireworks on Hungry Horse Boulevard.

“Plans are in place, however, to fully shut down Hungry Horse Boulevard to include all use of fireworks if dangerous situations arise,” Heino said.

Columbia Falls Fire Chief Rick Hagen said people shouldn’t let their guard down because the area has received some rain recently.

“The fuels are still there, all it takes is a little bit of sun and wind and things are ready to burn,” Hagen said.

Hagen offered other suggestions, too, including watching a public show done by professionals.

“But for those that are going to set off their own, it’s important to be aware of where fireworks could end up. It’s like shooting an arrow, you just don’t know where it might land. There have been fires after they landed on rooftops.”

Hagen also said for those shooting off fireworks, they should keep a garden hose available in case something bad happens.

He also wants to make people aware they can be liable for damages caused by fireworks.

“That could add up to millions of dollars,” Hagen said. “Parents should be diligent and keep an eye on their kids, too. They buy the fireworks and their kids run around the neighborhood setting them off. People just need to be more careful.”

In Kalispell, City Police Patrol Capt. Brett Corbett said officers will be actively enforcing the ordinance.

“Due to the personal safety and fire risk posed by fireworks, use of fireworks within Kalispell city limits is illegal and the Kalispell Police Department will be out enforcing the city ordinance prohibiting the use of fireworks within the city,” Corbett said. In Kalispell, only “toy paper caps containing no more than twenty-five hundredths of a grain of explosive per cap” and sparklers are allowed within city limits. “All other fireworks are strictly prohibited.”

Outside of state and county parks, citizens can legally shoot fireworks on private property within Flathead County.

In Montana, sky rockets, roman candles and bottle rockets are illegal.

Another element to the holiday is preparing pets for the onslaught of the loud noise.

“Please remember to make sure your pets have collars, with ID tags, as pets can be panicked, run away and become disoriented and lost,” said Cindie Jobe with the Flathead County Animal Shelter. “Placing pets in a room where the curtains are drawn with music, white noise or the TV/radio playing can help muffle the noise of fireworks. Some pets can benefit from medication, prescribed by a veterinarian, to help manage panic and fear.”

Some of the most common fireworks-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest report, include hand burns, eye injuries, hearing loss and various other cuts and lacerations.

Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.