If You Live in Great Falls and Want to Pop Fireworks, Here’s What People Are Doing

Fourth of July in Great Falls this year is going to be a little different from last year's thanks to the vote passed last November that outlawed aerial fireworks. The new rule leaves the people of Great Falls with minimal options that include smoke bombs, sparklers, and yes, those beloved "pop pops" that you throw at your loved ones.

But now, word is getting around about a potential loophole that could "spark" a tough conversation about the legality of fireworks in the area.

Great Falls Reacts to 4th of July Firework Rules

If you're bummed about not being able to (legally) fire off fireworks into the Great Falls sky, there might be a way around it.

Recently, I shared a video on Facebook of an interview I did with Sheriff Slaughter about the new fireworks rules within Great Falls.

Sheriff Slaughter talks about the importance of being safe this upcoming Fourth of July and as you'd expect, we got several comments from the community about the new fireworks rules.

"Isn't pushing fireworks out of town putting the county in danger of more fires?" Wilma J. said on our page.

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"So basically he's not going to enforce the new law ...." Matthew R. added.

Then something dawned on me... what about Black Eagle?

Great Falls Firework Loophole?

I know I'm not the first person to think of this, so don't think for a second that I'm trying to take credit. I've even seen this said in one of our comment sections recently but couldn't remember or where exactly.

As we've all put together by now, the firework rules don't apply in Black Eagle unless Cascade County officials implement Stage 1 or Stage 2 fire restrictions which would override the rules of Black Eagle.

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BUT NOT SO FAST! Those who are hoping to set off fireworks in Black Eagle will need to make sure they're not responsible for any fires. According to Montana Fire Info, "you could be fined up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 for an organization and imprisoned up to 6 months for violating restrictions and closures" and "held liable for all suppression costs and damages if you start a fire."

Also, county officials could announce a restriction before the holiday weekend arrives.

Be safe out there, don't trespass and keep an eye out for notices from officials about potential restrictions!