New Whitefish fireworks law now in effect

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, residents of and visitors to Whitefish are reminded they will face stiffer penalties for violating Whitefish’s new fireworks ordinance.

The amended law also removed July 2 as a day that fireworks can be set off in Whitefish.

Fireworks now may be detonated within the Whitefish city limits only July 3 and July 4 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The fine for violating the law is $300 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent violations.

Fireworks stands within the city limits will have copies of the new ordinance posted for the public, Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said.

Those who have complaints about fireworks should contact the police department at 863-2420 and then select option 2 to reach dispatch. Callers should be as specific as possible and give dispatch the location, the offender’s name if known and the caller’s contact information.

“We need the citizens to help us police our community,” Dial said. 

The Whitefish City Council passed the stricter fireworks law earlier this year after Dial voiced concerns about the city law and a growing number of fireworks complaints. Previously the fine for setting off fireworks prior to and after the designated two-day period was not more than $500, which in some cases resulted in fines as low as $50.

“Despite our increased efforts to inform the public of the ordinance restrictions, a number of individuals choose to ignore the ordinance, resulting in terrified pets, citizens losing sleep, increased vandalism and fire danger,” Dial told the council in February.