The Ennis Montana Police Department announced dates and times that residents are permitted to set off fireworks.
Officials reported that while the risk of fire is lower than previous years, people are still responsible for where fireworks are lighted and where they land.
Fireworks are not allowed before noon or after 12:30 p.m. on July 3 and 4.
The Ennis Montana Police posted the following on their Facebook page:
The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day or July 4th dates back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence.
From 1776 to the present-day July Fourth has been celebrated as the birth of American independence. Part of the Fourth of July tradition is fireworks. The Town of Ennis permits Fireworks on the 3rd and 4th of July with several exceptions. Ennis Town Code says:
CHAPTER 4 FIREWORKS
6-4-1: PROHIBITED; EXCEPTION:
A. It shall be a violation of this chapter to ignite, explode, or fire off any rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, torpedoes, or any substance of an explosive nature within the Town limits on any day of the year; however, upon application to the Town Commission, duly approved by the Commission and the Mayor, bona fide persons and organizations may obtain a permit for the use of fireworks in connection with celebrations or other occasions of public interest.
B. Provided, however, that the prohibition set forth in this section shall not apply to the discharge of fireworks on July 3rd through 4th, and on December 31st through January 1st, and as set forth below. Such discharge and use shall be allowed upon the following conditions:
1. There shall be no discharge of fireworks from or into any State recreation area, local park, school, or State highway.
2. There shall be no discharge of fireworks within one hundred feet (100') of a church or medical facility; or within seventy-five feet (75') of any business location.
3. There shall be no discharge of fireworks from or toward a motor vehicle.
4. There shall be no discharge of fireworks within or on East Main Street, West Main Street, or North Main Street.
5. There shall be no discharge of fireworks:
Before 12:00 noon July 3rd
After 12:30 A.M. July 4th
Before 12:00 noon July 4th
After 12:30 A.M. July 5th
6. There shall be no discharge of fireworks in the vicinity of or toward another person or group of people, or in the vicinity of or toward any animal, in such manner to expose such person, persons or animal to the risk of injury or harm.
7. There shall be no discharge of any fireworks within two hundred feet (200') of any business dispensing any flammable fuel or compressed gas product.
8. There shall be no possession or use of any firework by a person less than eighteen (18) years old, unless such person is under the direct supervision of a responsible person eighteen (18) years of age or older.
9. Any person discharging, or supervising the discharge of, fireworks as provided in this section shall promptly clean and remove any litter, garbage or debris resulting from such discharge, and shall responsibly dispose of such litter, garbage or debris.
10. The use of fireworks, as permitted by this section, shall be suspended when fire danger reaches a designation of "high" as determined by the United States Forest Service, or may be suspended at any time by declaration of the Mayor of Ennis, in his or her discretion, as follows: upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief of Madison Valley Rural Fire District, or the Chief of the Ennis Police Department, or for other legitimate reasons. In the event of such declaration, the Madison Valley Rural Fire District and the Ennis Police Department shall be immediately notified of the declaration. (Ord. 142, 6-9-2017)
This year the fire danger is significantly lower than previous years but the risk of fires is still present and you are responsible for where your fireworks are lighted and where they land.
Just a friendly reminder and good words to live by, don’t do anything you have to explain to the Paramedics, Police or Fire Department. Have a safe and fun Fourth of July and hopefully we don’t see you in any official capacity.