With the Fourth of July less than a month away, the Billings Fire Department has announced several public areas that will be closed during the holiday.
The press release says public land on the Rimrocks from Main Street in the heights and along the south side of Highway 3 will be closed starting July 4 at 6 pm. The closure will remain in effect until Tuesday morning, July 5. Zimmerman and Phipps Park are included in these closures.
All pedestrian access at this time is prohibited, including vehicle and bike use. The closures aim to reduce citizens’ risk of serious accidents or injury during the fourth of July celebrations.
Active patrolling along these closed areas will occur during the day. The Billings Fire Department, Billings Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Airport police, and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s office will patrol the area during the holiday.
The press release also states the Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) prohibits possessing, selling, and using fireworks within city limits. Fireworks are legal to use outside city limits in the county. Take caution when using fireworks in rural areas and obtain permission when entering private property.
Use the following safety measures for recreational use of fireworks:
- Do not use fireworks in areas with dry grass and forests. Use in green areas.
- Have water handy at all times
- Only use fireworks outdoors
- Make sure children are under adult supervision
- Use common sense when using fireworks.
- Do not alter or combine fireworks. Only use as intended.
- Obey all local laws when lighting off fireworks
- Do not relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and soak dud firework in water.
A public fireworks display is planned in the lower infield of the Metrapark in Billings. The city of Laurel also has an all-day Fourth of July celebration with a fireworks show to end the night.