Great Falls Fire Rescue is reminding the community of fireworks safety and rules for the upcoming July 4 holiday,which is one of GFFR’s busiest days of the year.

Even with the rain over the past week, the forecast heading into July 4 is hot and dry, increasing chances that fireworks cause fires.

Within the city limits, selling and discharging fireworks is limited from 8 a.m. to midnight July 2-4.

Fireworks should only be discharged on private property.

Foundation fundraising to continue community fireworks display

Fireworks are prohibited on all publicly owned property such as parks, streets, cul-de-sacs, public sidewalks or public-rights-of-way or any publicly owned parking lot/parking space or alley.

“GFFR wants to ensure that all are able to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday. Please make sure that fireworks are used safely and responsibly. Have a bucket of water handy so that you can soak your fireworks before throwing them in the trash to prevent a trash fire and make sure kids have adult supervision when lighting fireworks. Lastly, we have seen numerous fireworks related injuries the past couple of years, remember not to hold fireworks/firecrackers in your hands and do not shoot bottle rockets or roman candles at other people or animals,” Mike McIntosh, GFFR’s assistant chief of prevention, said in a release.

Thousands of people are injured each year by consumer fireworks, often leading to burns, hand and eye injuries, or worse, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To avoid the potential of fireworks related injuries, GFFR recommends following safety tips:

• follow all safety regulations and city ordinances
• never allow young children to play with fireworks as even sparklers can burn at over 1,200 degrees Farenheit
• do not hold fireworks in your hands or throw or shoot fireworks at other people or animals
• if a firework is a “dud,” do not try to relight it, douse it with water as with all other spent fireworks
• celebrate responsibly: if you plan to drink or use other mind-altering substances, make arrangements for a sober ride home

Remember that not everyone likes fireworks.

“Be a good neighbor and be sensitive to others when choosing to discharge them. Keep pets indoors to reduce stress and to prevent them from running away. Be mindful of neighbors and the established timelines for setting off fireworks. Great Falls Fire Rescue wants the community to enjoy the Fourth of July and to remember that fireworks, even when used properly, have the potential to cause fires and accidents,” according to GFFR.

For more information contact Great Falls Fire Rescue at 406-727-8070.