Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely: Fireworks Discharge Guidelines

Hello Polson City Residents,

As we gear up to celebrate our nation's independence, the City Police Department and Fire Department would like to remind you of the guidelines regarding fireworks discharge within city limits. Your safety and that of our community are paramount, so please take a moment to review the following information.

Fireworks may only be discharged under the following circumstances:

1. Private Property: You are permitted to discharge fireworks on your own private property or with explicit permission from the property owner.

2. Paved City Streets: Fireworks can also be discharged on paved city streets that are not arterial streets or collectors.

It is crucial that all fireworks activities occur in a safe and sane manner, adhering strictly to these guidelines. To ensure everyone's well-being, we urge you to follow these timelines for discharging fireworks:

- From 12:00 p.m. on July 3 until midnight 
- From 12:00 p.m. on July 4 until 1:00 a.m.
- From 12:00 p.m. on July 5 until midnight

Here's a summarized version of the City Ordinance regarding the sale and discharge of fireworks: (PDF Provided here for your review)

1. It is prohibited to possess for sale, sell, offer for sale at retail, or discharge any fireworks within the city limits, except as specifically provided in this article.

2. Parents or guardians must not allow children under the age of majority to possess or discharge fireworks without proper supervision. Possession or discharge by children under 18 years old within the city limits indicates parental permission.

3. Fireworks cannot be discharged within or within 300 feet of any public park owned by the city without a public display permit. They also cannot be discharged on public streets, alleys, roads, or rights-of-way unless specified otherwise. Additionally, they must not be discharged within 1,000 feet of hospitals, nursing homes/assisted living facilities, gas stations/storage facilities.

4. Fireworks may only be discharged on private property with owner permission or on paved city streets that are not arterial streets/collectors during specific periods:
- July 3: Between 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
- July 4: Between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.
- July 5: Between 12:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
- New Year's Day (only): From 11:00 pm on December 31 until 1:00 am on January 1

5. The term "safe and sane manner" refers to actions that do not endanger life or property in the area where fireworks are being discharged.

6. The individual/firm responsible for discharging fireworks assumes all liability for any injuries/damages caused by them.

7. There are specific types of permitted fireworks outlined in federal law that can be legally used/discharged within city limits (e.g., certain sparklers under certain lengths, M-class aerial devices).

8. If drought conditions or other hazardous situations exist when coupled with firework discharges, the fire chief can issue a ban until conditions improve.

9. Anyone discharging fireworks is responsible for cleaning up the site and disposing all used/disarmed/unexploded materials safely.

10. Fireworks designed to move vertically cannot be used within 2,000ft of Polson Municipal Airport without prior notice to the fixed base operator and following their instructions regarding usage.

Thank you for your cooperation in complying with these regulations to ensure everyone's safety during celebrations!

Sincerely,
Chief of Police - George Simpson
Fire Chief - Clint Cottle