Primary rules and regulations in the city limits include:

• The selling and discharging of fireworks within the incorporated limits of Great Falls can only take place on July 2, 3, and 4 from 8 a.m. to midnight.
• Children 9 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.
• Residents should only discharge fireworks on private property (sidewalk leading to your residence and or driveway)  and should always clean up any trash that is left behind from the discharging of fireworks.
• Fireworks may not be discharged in any city park or on any public sidewalk, street, public right of way, public easement or alley.
• Violators may be fined up to $1,000.

The full city fireworks code is here. The city’s fireworks ordinance is enforced by the city’s police officers and firefighters.

Report illegal fireworks in the city at 406-727-7688 ext. 5.

Fireworks are also not allowed on Great Falls Public Schools property.

Cascade County does not regulate fireworks and falls under state law, according to Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs.

State law states that “any person, firm or corporation may offer permissible fireworks…of any kind for sale at retail only during the following periods:”

• June 24 through July 5
• Dec. 29-31

State law also specifies where fireworks can not be sold or discharged, including within 300 feet of a hospital or church and within the exterior boundaries of a state forest, state park, or state recreation area.

Open burning is currently prohibited in the county due to “current or forecast adverse weather conditions,” according to the burn permit database and Cascade County Disaster and Emergency Services.

GFFR is also reminding the public of fireworks safety for the holiday.

 July 4 fireworks safety tips:

• Read directions: read the cautionary labels and directions before discharging.
• Discharge outdoors: always use fireworks outside in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Keep fireworks away from others: never point or throw fireworks at another person or place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.
• One at a time: light fireworks one at a time, then move back to a safe distance quickly.
• Have water handy: have a bucket of water or a water hose nearby to prevent a possible fire. Always remember to douse discharged fireworks with water once they have completely burned before throwing the fireworks away to prevent a trash fire.
• Adult supervision:  a responsible adult should always closely supervise all fireworks activities. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Clean it up: always clean up used fireworks when finished and make sure they are doused with water.
• Prevent injury: fireworks should never be carried in a pocket or be shot off in metal or glass containers. Fireworks should be used on a solid, flat level surface. Never use altered fireworks. Not only are they dangerous, they can also be illegal.
• Sparklers: sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees. Parents may not realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers.
• It didn’t light: if a firework does not work, leave it alone. Do not try to relight it. Pour water on it.
• Buying fireworks: purchase fireworks only from reliable outlets. Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper or packaging. This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

Remember that not everyone loves fireworks. Be a good neighbor and be sensitive to others when choosing to discharge them. Fireworks can disrupt those sleeping, scare pets, and can be an issue for veterans.

For more information about Fourth of July safety, contact GFFR at 406-727-8070.