Fireworks stands open soon, flying varieties banned in Idaho

Less than 2 weeks until 4th of July celebrations across eastern Idaho means it is almost time to start lighting up the sky with fireworks.

But with dry conditions and high fire risk, law enforcement is cautioning eastern Idahoans to leave sky-brightening to professionals this year.

The old classics are still legal — most sparklers and fountains are on the state’s “Safe and Sane” list. But if it leaves the ground, it’s probably against the law.

“Just possession is a violation,” said Blackfoot Police captain Kurt Asmus as he read from a list of banned fireworks.

Bottle rockets and Roman Candles are amongst fireworks on the illegal list.

“The dangerous ones, the ones that leave the ground, those are the ones that we’d be worried about,” said Asmus.

Asmus said folks who want to make a bang this year need to stick to the small stuff. Earth-bound fireworks are the only option this year.

‘Use the ones that are legal,” he said. “The other ones are all fine and dandy but if you want to do that, go to a fireworks show and watch them that way.”

If you’ve just got to light that fuse yourself, Asmus said, pop-up fireworks vendors will soon sell what the state calls “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

“Our vendors here in town have been inspected and they do sell legal fireworks,” said Asmus.

Each city has its own ordinance for when fireworks can begin to go on sale within city limits.

Idaho Falls stands open June 24, Blackfoot stands open a day later on June 25, and Pocatello stands will start selling fireworks on June 28.

Fireworks stands in Rexburg have been open since June 15.

A downloadable PDF of illegal and legal fireworks is available in the “Related Content” section on this page.