Residents urged to use caution when using fireworks

Independence Day is just around the corner, and the Havre Fire Department said in a release it wants to advise the community that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch a public display conducted by professionals.

The department asks if people plan to use their own fireworks to exercise caution and follow ordinances for the use of fireworks in city limits.

Fireworks may only be discharged in Havre July 2 through July 4 from 8 a.m to midnight and not all fireworks are allowed. Skyrockets, Roman candles and bottle rockets are excluded as well as any other fireworks not allowed under state law.

Legislation passed this year increased what fireworks people can buy when Gov. Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 215 in late March, but not all are allowed in Havre.

“The Legislature this year did pass that bill that allows the sale of Roman candles, skyrockets and bottle rockets. … The city of Havre has ordinances as well, and in those ordinances skyrockets Roman candles, and bottle rockets are still not allowed in the city of Havre,” Assistant Fire Chief Nathan Courtnage said Tuesday. “So you’ll find that (fireworks stands) can sell them, and you can have them but you cannot shoot those off in the city limits.”

The fire and ambulance department said in a press release that the discharge of fireworks in city parks is not allowed and children younger than 7 must be in direct supervision of a parent or guardian. Anyone leaving debris from discharged fireworks will be cited for littering.

The press release advises to use fireworks only outdoors and to always have water on hand, either a hose or buckets of water. The release says to not combine fireworks and to never relight a “dud” firework. People should wait 20 minutes and soak duds in a bucket of water.

Unused fireworks should be kept away from firing areas. The release says to observe local laws and use common sense when using fireworks. Fireworks should be used in green areas away from dry grass, forest and structures. 

The National Integrated Drought Information System reported as of June 22, 100 percent of Hill County is “abnormally dry.” This means, “soil moisture is low; dryland crop germination is poor; pastures are dry; fire danger increases streamflow is low, affecting recreational fishing.”

Approximately 36 percent of Hill County is in a state of moderate drought as of June 22.

Hill County is joining neighboring counties this week implementing fire restrictions, with a burn ban going into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday.

“We did implement a Hill County burn ban, which just talks about the open burning and whatnot,” Hill County Commissioner Jake Strissel said Tuesday.

“When it comes to fireworks, the biggest thing that we’re really recommending is that, you know, fireworks are clearly prohibited in Beaver Creek Park, per one of our ordinances — Ordinance No. 14-108 — and these fireworks can result in legal action, fines and accountability for damages caused. So that’s in the park,” he continued.

Strissel said the area is in red flag conditions due to the dry weather. He said fireworks are still legal to use over the Fourth of July but recommends using extreme caution, being very cognizant to avoid starting fires. 

“It’s a misdemeanor fine depending on what happens. Like, if people are using fireworks in the park and the park does go up in flames, then legal action could be taken there and anybody that starts that fire and they get ahold of them, any accountability for those damages will go to that person,” Strissel said.

He said this morning that other than the ban on Beaver Creek, no county restrictions are in place specifically in regard to fireworks.