Independence Day safety reminders
The City of Idaho Falls reminds you to pay extra attention to safety precautions during this busy Independence Day holiday. The city asks you:
Call 911 in the event of an emergency and only call 911 for emergencies. To contact the Idaho Falls Police Department for non-emergent issues call (208) 529-1200. During Riverfest and the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, emergency medical service command areas will be located at the corner of Snake River Parkway and Event Center Drive and at South Tourist Park. Stay out of the river, canals and water features in and around Snake River Landing – they may look refreshing on a hot day, but there are many hidden dangers. Keep fire lanes open on Snake River Parkway, Pioneer Drive, Pier View Drive, Lochsa Drive, Whitewater Drive, Milligan Road, Warm Springs Road and all other city and private streets. If any area is not marked for parking, it is a NO PARKING zone. There is no alcohol allowed in city parks or on the River Walk. Legal or illegal fireworks are not permitted on the River Walk. Stay hydrated, have patience and plan accordingly.
The city also reminds you how important it is to understand city codes that govern the use of fireworks within city limits and safety rules to ensure we have a safe and happy holiday. The city asks you not only follow the rules, but also show courtesy to neighbors when it comes to lighting fireworks.
Fireworks can only be purchased within city limits between June 24 and July 5. Always remember safety when using fireworks. Never light fireworks inside. Point fireworks away from homes, and keep from brush, leaves and flammable substances. NEVER THROW FIREWORKS AT PEOPLE. Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it. Always have a bucket of water, hose, and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly. Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Children, by state law, must be at least 16 years of age to light fireworks. Sparklers may seem harmless, but can cause severe injuries as sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Children should be supervised while using sparklers. If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. Residents can be cited for disturbing the peace if they are found to be causing a disturbance in neighborhoods because of fireworks. Under city code, the use of illegal or banned fireworks within city limits is punishable by law and anyone discharging these fireworks could face up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. Illegal and banned fireworks include, but are not limited to, firecrackers, cannon crackers, blank cartridges, skyrockets, rockets, roman candles, chasers, whistles, all torpedoes that explode by means of friction and toy cannons. Click HERE for city code. The city of Idaho Falls fire marshal has the authority to approve or disapprove various community events involving pyrotechnics and seize illegal and unauthorized fireworks and explosives. Due to the highly congested and grassy areas around Snake River Landing and for the safety of persons attending the event, the City of Idaho Falls Fire Marshal, working in conjunction with Snake River Landing, have restricted all personal fireworks, including sparklers, from Lochsa Drive, south to Sunnyside Drive, and from the Capital Avenue River Walk west to the Porter Canal.
