Fireworks in Idaho - Know Before You Light!
EASTERN
IDAHO- For many of us things have changed this year, but what hasn’t changed is
our desire to prevent fires. With the
Fourth of July weekend just around the corner, the desire to buy and light
fireworks is growing. Inappropriate use of fireworks, combined with dry
vegetation and hot weather, substantially increases our local potential for
unwanted fires. Firefighters in eastern Idaho are urging Idaho residents to recreate
responsibly this summer and only use fireworks legally and wisely.
Fire
officials are concerned that with the cancellation of many local firework
displays, people may choose to celebrate at home or on public lands. “It’s
highly probable with the number of firework sales occurring in the area, that
many individuals are choosing to have personal celebrations,” said Caribou-Targhee
National Forest Fire Management Officer Mike Johnston. “More fireworks equal
the potential for more fire activity.” While safe and sane fireworks are
allowed in some jurisdictions everyone needs to follow safety precautions. As a
reminder, fireworks are illegal on public lands.
Every
summer, improper use of fireworks results in multiple wildland and structure
fires. In 2018, two homes in Pocatello were significantly damaged in a
matter of minutes from illegal fireworks. The 2017 Rapid Creek and Henry’s
Creek fires burned nearly 53,000 acres because of illegal fireworks. Even
though fireworks are illegal on public lands, every year, Idaho Falls District
BLM law enforcement seize hundreds of illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July
holiday.
As the Fourth of July nears and the weather turns hotter and
drier, please use “safe and sane” fireworks in gravel or asphalt areas away
from vegetation and buildings. Safe and sane fireworks or “non-aerial common
fireworks” remain near the ground and do not travel outside a 20-foot diameter.
Safe and sane fireworks include cone fountains, sparklers, wheels and whistles.
Other fireworks, typically aerial ones, are illegal to shoot off
in Idaho. Aerial fireworks present a huge risk for causing wildfires. While
these kinds of fireworks may be purchased legally, Idaho law makes their use
illegal. Illegal-use fireworks include bottle rockets, sky rockets, roman
candles, firecrackers, missiles, parachutes, sky flyers, display shells and
aerial items.
Always follow applicable fireworks regulations, including:
· Buying
fireworks during legal times of the year. Fireworks are only authorized for use
during specific times of the year. Check local ordinances for dates you can use
fireworks.
· Keeping
fireworks off your public lands. Possessing and/or using fireworks on federal
public lands (Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service) is strictly prohibited.
· Using
fireworks safely and legally. Anyone
misusing fireworks can be held liable for damages. Damages often include
the costs of putting out the fire.
Certain areas, like Johnny Creek in the Pocatello area, prohibit
fireworks due to the high risk of wildfire. Never light fireworks on a windy
day and fully extinguish them with water before disposing of debris.
For more information, contact your local fire department.
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Map
attached: Pocatello Fire Department, Fireworks
Prohibited within Urban/Wildland Interface Areas
