Fireworks not allowed in Superior parks

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, local firework stands have opened up to sell fireworks to eager Mineral County celebrators.

In order to operate however, these stands have to follow county codes, as do those who buy fireworks from these stands.

According to Montana State Code, fireworks cannot be sold in Montana except between the dates of June 24 and July 5 or December 29 through December 21.

Fireworks can only be used on these dates between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. except on the Fourth of July, when firework use can go until midnight.

In Superior, firework use is not permitted on any public park.

Superior Town Clerk Brenda Schneider said that the rule was enacted last year after a “sparkler bomb” went off in Eva Horning Park, damaging dugout, bench, garbage can and picnic table.

Superior Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief John Woodland said that the fire department does not make any special preparations for the Fourth of July.

“We don’t do anything special, and so far we haven’t had any problems,” Woodland said.

Woodland said that since he has been in Superior there have not been any calls related to fireworks, but he knows of several other situations elsewhere where it has become a problem.

“You need to really look at and pay attention to where any sparks are going to go and if you have any aerial devices that are actually going to shoot in the air you need to pat attention to where that’s going to go,” Woodland said.

He added that the late rain has made the fire situation for Fourth of July celebrations a little safer than previous years.

“We’ve had, fortunately, a relatively wet spring and it’s not terribly dry yet although it is warm hot and windy and that dries thing out quick,” Woodland said.

He said that his firefighters are trained to deal with any situation that may arise, but he expects that most people will be responsible with fireworks in Mineral County.

“It’ll be a lot worse in a couple of weeks, but things are dry now and there is the potential to start a fire,” Woodland said.

Woodland said the real danger with fireworks is complacency and people should be extra careful when celebrating this season.

“My advice is that people need to be very careful about any fireworks they use. First of all they can cause very severe personal injury if you’re not careful. You need to be careful that you’re setting them off in such a way that you’re well clear of it at all times,” Woodland said.

There are no fireworks allowed on any National Forest System lands. Superior District Ranger Sharon Sweeney said that it will be a great weekend to enjoy the forest, but fireworks have no place in Mineral County’s wilderness.

“People going into the national forest should get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, but leave the fireworks at home,” Sweeney said.