No More Fireworks In The City: Did Great Falls Get It Right?

The citizens of Great Falls have spoken and it's official: popping off fireworks within city limits is are officially banned.

The End Of Fireworks In Great Falls, Montana

On November 4th, the citizens of Great Falls voted for a city ban on fireworks with a 59% vote or 4,525 "Yes" votes according to KRTV.

This means as citizens we'll only be allowed to pop off smoke bombs and fountains or sparklers. Aerial fireworks and fireworks that "detonate" on the ground will be restricted to city fireworks shows only.

Still, you'll be able to purchase fireworks within city limits, you just can't pop them off in Great Falls. People have mixed feelings about it and there two obvious pros and cons to the ban.

First Up: The Pros Of Banning Fireworks Within Great Falls City Limits

Fire safety is always important and for those who voted with that in mind, the ban is a huge win for them. As we saw earlier this year, fire officials believed fireworks to be the reason for a fire that killed a woman along with dog and cat according to KRTV.

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This ban will help those concerned about their homes catching fire sleep a little better on the next Independence Holiday.

Pet owners who have pets that are alarmed by fireworks, this ban is also a big win.

The Cons Of Banning Fireworks Within Great Falls City Limits

On the other side of the coin, there are some drawbacks to a citywide ban on fireworks. In speaking to several community leaders from Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter and Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs, I learned that enforcing a citywide ban is going to be quite the challenge for law enforcement.

Also, with fireworks still being allowed to be sold, there's a good chance some people will pop off their fireworks anyway, or travel somewhere else to pop them off which could cause a fire and wind up being further for first responders.

Did Great Falls Get It Right?

Now that the people have officially spoken and voted "Yes" for a citywide ban on fireworks, do you think we got it right?

Let us know your thoughts HERE.