Fireworks in Missoula
City of Missoula Press Release—The City of Missoula is asking residents to comply with fireworks laws. Conditions in western Montana are very hot and dry. Fire danger is HIGH. The City of Missoula, along with our partner agencies in the Missoula County Fire Protection Association, ask Missoula residents to keep everyone safe by refraining from the use of fireworks.
The use of most fireworks in the city of Missoula is illegal. Fireworks are prohibited on open space lands, all U.S. Forest Service lands, in City and County parks and County-managed recreation areas and at all Fish, Wildlife and Parks fishing access sites. This includes Fort Missoula Regional Park.
In addition to concern about fire danger, City and County staff receive numerous public complaints each year that fireworks frighten and disturb neighbors, upset pets, upset veterans and cause injuries.
To report violations
The Fireworks Report Line is open 24 hours a day during the holiday period through July 5. It is operated by the emergency dispatchers at the city-county Office of Emergency Management’s Missoula 9-1-1 Center. To report violations, call 258-4850.
Police officers and Fire Department personnel will respond to as many complaints as possible. Firefighters as well as police officers have the authority to issue citations. The penalties are $100 plus court costs for a first offense and $300 plus court costs for a second offense during the same calendar year.
Where to Watch
Professional public displays, which are allowed by permit from the Missoula Fire Department chief, are done safely at pre-determined times and are short in duration. Public displays in Missoula will held:
Friday, July 2, at the civic stadium following the PaddleHeads baseball game
Sunday, July 4, at Southgate Mall.
More Info
The Missoula City Council amended the fireworks ordinance in 2014 to allow the sale and discharge of “novelty” fireworks in the city. These include sparklers, party poppers and other small fireworks. Visit the City website for a complete description:
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1763/Fireworks
Here’s a post from the City of Missoula Fire Department.