Voters Pass Great Falls' Fireworks Ordinance
CITY OF GREAT FALLS, MONTANA
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 6, 2025
CONTACT: Meredith Dawson, City Communications Specialist – 406-455-8496
VOTERS PASS GREAT FALLS' FIREWORKS ORDINANCE
Great Falls, Montana – In this week’s municipal election, voters chose to pass Ordinance 3278, which limits what types of fireworks can be sold and discharged in Great Falls. Consequently, the sale and discharge of fireworks that are designed to leave the ground and those designed to explode upon activation will now be prohibited in Great Falls. Permitted fireworks includes sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, snap caps, smoke divider, and novelty items.
Now that the voters have spoken and expressed a desire to regulate fireworks, the City Commission and affected City Departments will work on an enforcement plan for future holidays when fireworks are permitted to be discharged (New Year’s and July 4th). The City’s first enforcement effort will be to educate the community on the new ordinance and ask for voluntary compliance. Enforcement plans to be presented to the Commission in the future will likely include a review of fines and penalties.
Current violations of firework regulations can result in a(n):
- Issuance of a notice for a person to appear in Municipal Court, which can result in a fine up to $1,000
- Seizure of illegal fireworks
- Recommendation to the Planning & Community Development Department that a wholesaler/retailer have his/her permit revoked
While this change may take time to get used to, the City encourages fireworks supporters to contribute toward the People’s Park and Recreation Foundation’s annual 4th of July Firework show. Donations are tax-deductible, and additional support of the community event would allow everyone to safely celebrate the holiday and enjoy a public fireworks display.
“If everyone donated what they used to spend on personal fireworks, Great Falls could host the biggest, safest fireworks display in Montana,” said City Manager Greg Doyon. “It’s a great way to keep the celebration alive.”
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