Fireworks rules vary across county
With the Fourth of July just around the corner, business is picking up for both fireworks vendors and law enforcement.
Fireworks stands began setting up shop across the Flathead Valley as early as last week, and since, police logs have been spotted with noise complaints and fire hazards.
Though each city in the valley has its own laws, most prohibit or limit both the sale and use of fireworks within city limits and during particularly dry spells.
Following last year’s amended fireworks ordinance in Whitefish, fireworks may only be detonated within the Whitefish city limits July 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and can only be sold between noon and 8 p.m. between July 2 and 4. Those who have complaints about fireworks can contact Whitefish Police at 863-2420 and then select option 2 to reach dispatch. Fines for violating the city ordinance are $300 for the first offense and $500 or imprisonment for subsequent offenses.
In Kalispell, the sale and use of fireworks is banned completely within city limits. The Kalispell Municipal Code defines fireworks as any explosive or combustible substance or device created for the purpose of producing a visual display. In other words, pretty much anything that goes boom and sparkles. Fines for violating the city ordinance are up to $500. For fireworks complaints, call Kalispell Police at 758-7780.
State parks, fishing accesses and wildlife areas are also off limits to fireworks enthusiasts year-round. County parks in Flathead County ban fireworks, as well.
Outside of state and county parks, citizens can legally shoot fireworks on private property within Flathead County.
Good news for vendors like Dave Saunders who waits all year for occasions that call for an extra kick.
Saunders has his stand set up on West Reserve Drive in Kalispell this year and expects business to start booming over the weekend. With his camper parked behind the stand, Saunders plans to spend the days leading up to the Fourth fulfilling the Flathead’s need for sparklers, screamers and sky rockets.
Though there are no current age limits on who he can sell to, Saunders said he rarely sells to minors without parents present.
Most of the dangers Saunders hears about in regards to fireworks come from people who failed to respect their explosive nature.
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.
For those looking to avoid the potential injury and cost of a homemade fireworks show, Whitefish and Flathead Lake will provide a public viewing option on a grand scale.
The Whitefish fireworks show begins at 10:30 p.m. at Whitefish City Beach.
The show over Flathead Lake starts at 11 p.m. in Lakeside. Public viewing will be available at public docks or from the lake.
Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.