Fireworks laws vary across the valley

Fireworks are a time-honored tradition on the Fourth of July — and Northwest Montana is far from being an exception.

Barring the possibility of special fireworks restrictions going into place ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations, there are still other jurisdictional constraints on where and when people can shoot off fireworks.

Most fireworks are legal in Flathead County outside the three cities, except they may not be set off at public parks, boat launches or other county-owned property.

Montana law bans the sale and use of sky rockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets and sparkler bombs.

The three cities have individual laws governing fireworks:

• Kalispell: The possession, sale and use of fireworks are illegal within city limits. This includes firecrackers, but sparklers are OK. Violators can be fined up to $500 per infraction and sent to jail for up to six months.
• Whitefish: Fireworks sales within city limits are allowed between noon and 8 p.m. July 2-4. People can set off fireworks in Whitefish from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3 and 4. Violators can be fined up to $500 per infraction and sent to jail for up to six months.
• Columbia Falls: Fireworks may not be sold or discharged within city limits. Possession, however, is allowed. Those who break the law can be fined up to $100 and put in jail for up to 30 days.
• State and federal public lands: Fireworks are prohibited in Glacier National Park, on national forest land and Montana state parks.