Caution urged for fireworks, driving

Flathead County law enforcement officials will be out in full force for the Fourth of July weekend with a focus on impaired driving and illegal fireworks.

“Over the course of the weekend between Saturday, Sunday and Monday we’ll have anywhere from four to 12 additional personnel on staff,” Undersheriff Jordan White said.

Like other law enforcement leaders, White said the holiday tends to bring with it an increase in the number of calls on noise complaints and endangerment issues linked to fireworks.

He said many of the fireworks on sale on American Indian reservations remain illegal outside the reservations. Those include bottle rockets, roman candles and M80s, he said.

“It tends to result in confiscation but it can result in a [criminal] charge,’ White said.

In Kalispell, use of fireworks is prohibited within city limits. Sparklers and paper caps are permissible but other explosives could lead to citations, according to the Kalispell Police Department.

White said people using fireworks in the county — where they are legal — should be considerate of neighbors. He suggested limiting the use of loud explosives after nightfall.

“We would ask that people be not only safe, but courteous with the use of fireworks,” White said.

Law enforcement officers also will be zeroing in on drunk driving over the holiday weekend.

A release from the Kalispell Police Department described the holiday as “one of the deadliest in Montana.”

To combat that reality, Kalispell, Columbia Falls and Whitefish police have scheduled extra patrols on area roads.

“Driving impaired is not worth it,” Police Chief Roger Nasset said. “Whether you’ve been floating, boating, picnicking or camping, make sure that the person driving home is sober and alert.”

Columbia Falls Police Chief Dave Perry said in a statement that people should make efforts to ensure their friends and family do not operate vehicles after consuming alcohol.

“If they do, don’t let them drive,” he said. “We will do our part to keep motorists safe by providing extra patrols ... We want to make sure everyone enjoys the long weekend without it ending in tragedy.”

White said the Sheriff’s Office will have patrols dedicated to impaired drivers over the weekend. He said the Sheriff’s Office also will patrol Flathead Lake and Echo Lake.

Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Lavin said in a statement that troopers also will step up patrols and add additional manpower to detect and remove impaired drivers from area roads.