MISSOULA — Local officials are issuing their annual reminder that the public use of fireworks is illegal within city limits.
Fireworks are prohibited in the city, on City open space lands, on all U.S. Forest Service lands, within County parks and County-managed recreation areas and at all Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fishing access sites.
Officials are also reminding people that all of the Fort Missoula area -- including the Fort Missoula Regional Park -- is within the city.
Fireworks are also illegal in the annexed areas on the west end of the city.
People who violate the fireworks ordinance could be fined $100 plus court costs for a first offense and $300 plus court costs for a second offense during the same calendar year as the first offense.
The Fireworks Report Line -- which is operating 24 hours a day through July 4 -- can be reached at (406) 258-4850 to report violations.
The Missoula City Council amended the fireworks ordinance in the fall of 2014 to allow the sale and discharge of “novelty” fireworks in the city.
Those include sparklers, party poppers and other small fireworks. Visit the Missoula city website for a complete description.
Public displays in Missoula will be held on July 3 at Ogren Park Allegiance Field at the civic stadium by the Missoula PaddleHeads and on July 4 at Southgate Mall.
Mall management is unable to open its parking lot for fireworks viewing this year because of COVID-19 protocols, but the show will be visible from afar.
