With the Fourth of July just days away, fire officials in Bannock County are calling on residents to think twice before lighting off fireworks this year, citing an unusually active fire season driven by dry conditions and persistent high winds across Eastern Idaho.
North Bannock Fire District Chief Brian Curtis issued public safety warnings this week, reminding Pocatello residents that aerial fireworks remain prohibited within city limits. While ground-safe fireworks and sparklers are permitted, Curtis urged the community to stay cautious regardless of what type of fireworks they plan to use.
“We really hope people will proceed with caution, be safe and adhere to the recommendations of not doing aerials,” Curtis said.
Dry Conditions Heighten Holiday Risk in Southeast Idaho
Eastern Idaho has seen a more aggressive fire season than usual this summer, a pattern that has fire departments on edge heading into one of the busiest evenings of the year for emergency calls. The combination of low moisture and wind-driven conditions creates serious ignition risk, even from fireworks that might seem harmless under normal circumstances.
One hazard that catches many people off guard: sparklers. Despite their familiar and seemingly tame appearance, sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees — hot enough to start a fire if improperly discarded. Fire officials point to dumpster and garbage can fires as among the most common incidents they respond to on the holiday, typically caused by fireworks that weren’t fully extinguished before being thrown away.
Residents in the Pocatello area may recall how quickly fire can spread in these conditions. Earlier this month, the Gap Fire broke out between Inkom and Pocatello, prompting evacuations along Highway 91 before crews were able to bring it under control. That fire burned nearly 200 acres before reaching full containment, a reminder of how rapidly a spark can escalate in the current environment.
Where to Find Fireworks — and Where to Set Them Off Legally
For those planning to purchase fireworks, stands on the Fort Hall Reservation at Pow-Wow Fireworks are already open, with the business seeing strong business ahead of the America250 celebration scheduled for next month. Pocatello-area fireworks stands are expected to open next week, and stands in Idaho Falls are already operating.
Karri H. Deschine of Pow-Wow Fireworks noted that roughly 80 percent of what customers typically purchase falls in the safe-and-sane category, though aerial fireworks remain a draw. About half of the operation’s customers choose to set off their fireworks on the Fort Hall Reservation itself, where aerial fireworks are permitted — unlike within Pocatello city limits.
Approved locations on the reservation for aerial fireworks include the rodeo grounds and the area behind Shoshone-Bannock High School. However, those who choose to set off illegal fireworks on the reservation face a $700 fine.
Deschine encouraged customers to respect the land and take advantage of the designated areas. “Out of respect for the land, this is a sovereign place, and it’s a great way to save yourself a $700 fine,” she said.
Fire Resources Staged Across Bannock County for the Holiday
On the Fourth of July itself, the majority of North Bannock Fire Department resources will be staged at the Bannock County Fairgrounds, with additional fire trucks positioned at strategic points across the area to allow for faster emergency response. The department is preparing for the typical spike in calls that accompanies the holiday.
What Comes Next: With Pocatello-area fireworks stands set to open in the coming days, residents will have plenty of opportunities to stock up for the holiday. Fire officials are asking that anyone who purchases fireworks review local ordinances before lighting anything, properly dispose of spent fireworks with water before discarding them, and keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby during any fireworks activity. Those planning to use aerial fireworks are encouraged to travel to approved locations on the Fort Hall Reservation rather than risk a fine or, more importantly, a fire.