4th of July safety tips, city rules Published June 29, 2009 By 341st Missile Wing fire prevention office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Independence Day celebrations are built on traditions involving family, friends, parties and fireworks. The United States Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, encourages Americans to include fire safety along with their 4th of July activities. "Too often, we get caught up in the celebration and forget to think about fire safety and prevention," said John P. Gilmore, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Prevention. "Fire safety should be an integral part of our Independence Day celebration." Each year, more than 11,000 people in the United States are injured from fireworks. Most injuries occur because of misuse rather than poor manufacturing. If you plan to use fireworks as part of your celebration this year, the Fire Prevention Office recommends the following safety tips to ensure a fun and safe 4th of July: * Observe local laws. Check with the local police or fire department in Great Falls and Cascade County if you use fire works off base to determine what fireworks can be legally purchased and discharged in this area. Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks. 341 SWI 32-2001, Fire Prevention and Safety (currently under revision), paragraph 18.6 States: Fireworks, rockets, homemade bombs and related items, will not be possessed or used except as authorized by the 341st Missile Wing Commander. Note: Fireworks of any kind are illegal for use on Malmstrom AFB. * Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers can be dangerous if unsupervised. * Never ignite fireworks while holding them. Only light one at a time and move quickly away. * Make sure you give yourself enough room in a safe location - away from buildings, vehicles and flammable materials. * Have a full bucket of water handy for any emergency and to douse used sparklers. * Watch what you wear. Loose clothing can catch fire and should not be worn while handling fireworks. * Never try to re-ignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Soak them with water and throw them away. "By following a few fire safety measures, we can help create a safe environment and prevent an unfortunate accident," Mr. Gilmore said. "It is always important to keep fire safety in mind, even after the fireworks fade." COMMUNITY 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Provided by Marty Basta Great Falls Park & Recreation Department Join the celebration of our Nation's Independence Day during the annual 4th of July Parade which begins at 11a.m. on Saturday, July 4. Grab a lawn chair and find a favorite parade viewing spot along the parade route which begins on First Avenue South and Park Drive and travels east to 8th Street, then north to Central Avenue and finally west back to the Civic Center. After the parade, cool off at the Electric City Water Park by sliding into the Mitchell Pool or riding the wave at the FlowRider. The Electric City Water Park will stay open until 6 p.m. The best viewing of the community fireworks display will be at Elk's-Riverside Park. The community display will begin about 10:10 p.m. from West Bank Park. West Bank Park will be closed all day in order for the pyrotechnics to set up the display. Handicap parking will be available in the Farmers Union Building parking lot located on River Drive. Access to that parking lot will only be at Central Avenue West and River Drive. Those attending are asked to leave their fireworks at home. Like the previous year, no fireworks will be allowed in Elk's Riverside Park. People will be asked to return their fireworks to their vehicles or they will be confiscated. The fireworks ordinance will be enforced. The ordinance states that: PERMISSIBLE FIREWORKS ARE . . . Only allowed on July 2, 3 and 4 from 8 a.m. to midnight. Only for use on private property and are not allowed in parks, on streets, cul-de-sacs, or in public parking lots. Messy and cause a lot of debris. Be sure to pick up the litter. Pursuant to State statute, Sky Rockets, Roman Candles and Bottle Rockets are not "permissible fireworks." FINES ARE STEEP . . . 1st Offense ......................... $100 2nd Offense ....................... $200 3rd Offense ........................ $300 4th Offense & Greater ........ $1000 Don't have your Independence Day celebration spoiled with hefty fines and upset neighbors. This law will be enforced. Follow the law, have fun and stay safe. GREAT FALLS FIREWORKS RULES All family or consumer fireworks (1.4g) except stick rockets and roman candles are allowed to be discharged in the city between 8 a.m. and midnight, July 2, 3 and 4. County locations are not restricted. However, noise and litter ordinances still apply. Children 7 and younger must have a supervising adult within 10 feet and control the application of flame or other means to discharge the firework. It is illegal to leave debris from discharged fireworks on public places or property not owned by the individual discharging the fireworks. Fireworks may not be discharged in any city park, or on any public sidewalk, street, public right-of-way, publicly-owned parking lot or alley. Street Closures Specific to the 4th of July: · River Drive, between 1st Avenue North and 6th Street North will be closed at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th. Anyone with a vehicle parked in that vicinity will be asked to move it. · Central Avenue and 1st Avenue South between Park Drive and 8th Street will be closed the morning of July 4th in order to set up for the parade. · 3rd Avenue South between 2nd Street and River Drive will also be closed the morning of July 4th for parade staging purposes. 4TH OF JULY TIME TABLE 4th of July Parade Saturday, July 4, at 11 a.m. Downtown Great Falls Free and open to the public. For more information contact Ed Brown at 788-0032. Electric City Water Park Saturday, July 4, at 11 a.m. Great opportunity to cool off on a hot day. Regular fees will be in place. Closes at 6 p.m. Community Fireworks Display Saturday, July 4, 10:10 p.m. Launched from West Bank Park with the best viewing at Elk's-Riverside Park. SAM 107.3 will be broadcasting music at the fireworks site. KRTV will be televising the fireworks on TV.