Fireworks in Bannock County: Everything You Need To Know

Fireworks stands in Pocatello will officially open on Wednesday at noon.

On Monday, fire officials with the Pocatello Fire Department started making their rounds, meeting with stand owners throughout the day to make sure all of the fireworks being sold meet the “safe and sane” codes.

This way, if you head out to purchase them for some Fourth of July fun, you’ll know your fireworks are technical legal within the city limits.

However, there are some areas where all fireworks are not allowed.

Pocatello Fire Department Education Specialist Kim Stouse said, the map generally doesn’t change much from year-to-year, and that people celebrating still need to be cautious of where they’re allowed to be shooting them off.

“In banned areas that pose a significant risk of wildfire, such as: east center, west center, and the Johnny Creek area, all fireworks, including the ‘safe and sane’ fireworks, are not allowed at all,” Stouse said.

All fireworks stands will display a map of where fireworks are allowed. They can also be found on the City of Pocatello’s website here and at the Fire Station located at 408 E. Whitman in Pocatello.

Fireworks are also not allowed on BLM or Forest Service land.

Aside from the fire risk, she said, this time of year, the fire department receives the highest volume of burn calls. So, it’s important to remember to stay safe.

“A lot of times, people think sparklers are great to give kids, however, sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees,” Stouse informed. “Glass melts at 800 degrees, so that just tells you how hot they are when they burn.”

She said, here are some good practices to keep in mind to avoid any injuries during the holiday festivities:
– Always keep a water source nearby just in case anything were to go awry.
– After you’re done, throw your fireworks in a bucket of water before dumping them in the trash, as they might still be hot or active
– Always keep your kids under close supervision if you allow them to light any sort of fireworks
– Don’t tamper with any of your fireworks
– If one of your fireworks fails to light, do not try to light it again.

She added, “safe and sane” fireworks are considered to be non-aerial, and do not lift off the ground more than 20 feet. The best practice to make sure the ones you light fall under your city code, is to purchase them within the city you plan to light them off.

Last, she pointed-out, it’s also good practice to be courteous of your neighbors. She said, the fire department also receives a number of calls from veterans with PTSD who are sensitive to the close effects of fireworks in their neighborhood.

Again, here is a link to the map: http://www.pocatello.us/documentcenter/view/2750