As 2018 comes to a close, the city of Great Falls has a reminder for people who want to start the New Year with a bang.
Fireworks may be discharged in Great Falls from 10 p.m. New Year’s Eve to 12:30 a.m. New Year’s Day
Fireworks are being sold at locations around Great Falls, but are not sold within city limits.
Residents using fireworks during permitted times must use them on private property.
Fireworks are not allowed in public areas like parks, streets, sidewalks, or alleys.
Owner of Liberty Fireworks Inc. Mike Maeder said it is crucial that people respect city regulations and the people around them.
“If people are setting fireworks off at three in the morning and such, you’re looking to have people try to ban fireworks, we don’t want that, so be cool with your fireworks, be cool with your neighbors, and their animals and their pets,” said Maeder.
The police and fire departments will enforce fireworks rules and people who violate city code may be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to fines.
- 1st Offense – $100
- 2nd Offense – $200
- 3rd Offense – $300
- 4th Offense – $1000
Tayler Humiston has operated a Liberty Fireworks stand for three years and she said sales usually depend on the weather, but there are always last minute shoppers.
“I will have people at midnight and I’ll have to get them out of here because were not allowed to sell after midnight, but everybody procrastinates, it’s always New Year’s Eve when everybody’s coming, it will be crazy,” said Humiston.
As a reminder, stick rockets, bottle rockets, and roman candles are not allowed in Montana (per State Law). It is important to understand that Cascade County has different rules and regulations as it relates to fireworks, and the city does not regulate the sale or discharge of fireworks outside the city limits.
Children 10 and younger, partaking in the firework festivities, must have a supervising adult within 10 feet in order to control the application of flame or other means to discharge the firework.
-Reported by Joe Huisinga/MTN News
