MISSOULA – Missoula City Fire and Police departments are increasing patrols on the Fourth of July and are reminding people that most fireworks are illegal within city limits.
Penalties are $100 for a first offense and $300 for a second offense in the same year. Those fees are not including court costs and will be handed out by Missoula City Police.
Novelty fireworks, sparklers, party poppers and other small fireworks are allowed.
"Let’s face it. Fireworks can cause fires. So we need to be able to be on duty to be able to handle that additional response beyond what our normal crews do with fire response with medical response, you know, any type of accidents, water rescue," said Fire Inspector for the City of Missoula, Jamie Porter. "You know, we have to deal with all of it and fireworks just pose an additional hazard for us to address."
The fireworks report line is working 24-hours-a-day now through July fourth. To report violations call 406-258-4850.
And you can find more information on the kinds of fireworks allowed in city limits on the City of Missoula’s website.
