Enjoy the 4th, but obey the law

Fireworks illegal inside city limits

Posted 7/3/19

Fourth of July week is upon us, bringing with it cookouts, rodeos, parades and fireworks.

Park County residents will be flocking to their favorite fireworks vendors to purchase their goodies as …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Enjoy the 4th, but obey the law

Fireworks illegal inside city limits

Posted

Fourth of July week is upon us, bringing with it cookouts, rodeos, parades and fireworks.

Park County residents will be flocking to their favorite fireworks vendors to purchase their goodies as our nation celebrates its independence, and because the Fourth is on a Thursday this year, many celebrations will roll over into the weekend.

That said, the Powell Police Department has a message for revelers who plan to use fireworks as part of their celebrations: Be safe and know the law, especially when it comes to where you can set off fireworks and where you can’t.

While it’s legal to purchase fireworks within the Powell city limits, it’s illegal to set them off. According to Chapter 8.20 of the Powell City Code, “It is unlawful for any person to shoot, fire or light any firecrackers or other fireworks or pyrotechnics of any kind whatever, including, but not limited to, cap guns, within the city, without first having obtained a public fireworks display permit from the city council.”

“No fireworks of any kind are allowed to be used within the city limits,” said Lt. Alan Kent of the Powell Police Department. “Fireworks are completely prohibited within the city limits. It doesn’t matter if it’s the little black snakes or sparklers all the way up to rockets. Everything inside the city limits is prohibited.”

Setting off fireworks in town can result in a $40 fine, and it’s an ordinance the PPD does enforce, according to Lt. Kent.

“I can’t tell you the exact number, but we respond to a lot of fireworks complaints on the Fourth,” he said.

Lt. Kent went on to say that if residents are planning to set off fireworks outside the city limits, be aware of your surroundings, as well as whose land you’re on. Fireworks are prohibited on all state and federal lands, and the fine is likely to dent your wallet a little more than an in-town infraction.

“If you’re going to set off fireworks on private property, you need to have the homeowner’s permission,” he said. “If you have a friend in the country who invites you over, there’s no problem there. But if the land is owned by the Forest Service or BLM, you need to find out what their rules are, though I would assume they’re probably prohibited there, too.”

Once you’ve found a safe (and legal) place to set off your fireworks, Lt. Kent reminds revelers to adhere to safety tips, such as having an adult supervise any fireworks activities and keeping a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of a fire.

“Mishaps happen, and in case the fireworks end up where they’re not supposed to, you want to be able to put the fire out,” he said.

The Fourth of July is a busy holiday for law enforcement, and while the Powell PD may not be able to respond to every call regarding fireworks in the city limits, Lt. Kent does want to let residents know they will be out in force. He also suggests giving your pooches a break; not all of them respond well to things that go boom.

“Our Community Services Officer Anna Paris wants to let people know that fireworks do upset the dogs,” Lt. Kent said. “I’ve heard her say in the past to bring your dogs inside, before they get to barking. It’s tough on their nerves.”

Comments