Billings

Yellowstone County Commission to consider fireworks ban

Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:53 AM by MTN News
Updated: Jun 28, 2012 8:53 AM

BILLINGS - In an unprecedented move, the state Fire Marshal is asking Montanans to avoid fireworks this 4th of July holiday.

With explosive fire conditions already contributing to several destructive wildfires, State Fire Marshal Allen Lorenz says in many parts of Montana it's simply too dangerous to safely ignite fireworks.

A final decision on burn bans, however, rests with local governments - not the state.

In Yellowstone County, County Commission chairman John Ostlund tells Q2 News that the county attorney is currently looking into the legal aspects of a possible burn ban.

In addition, Ostlund has asked the various fire chiefs in the county for their input on a possible county-wide burn ban, that would include banning fireworks.

Ostlund says he expects the county commission will make a final decision on within the next few days.