Local law enforcement agencies are preparing for increased efforts on Independence Day as well as the enforcement of fireworks regulations.

Montana law bans the sale and use of sky rockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets and sparkler bombs. Fireworks of any kind are illegal on national forest, national park or state park lands.

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry said fireworks are legal in the county, but not on public lands such as county parks and boat launches.

“They’re legal on private property, again with the understanding that they don’t create an undue hazard,” Curry said.

He said his office is ready for the increased activity associated with the holiday.

“It’s a very busy holiday for us historically, and we certainly gear up for that, so we’ll have extra staff out specifically in areas where, historically, we have had a larger call volume or larger issues with people celebrating the holiday,” Curry said.

The sale of fireworks is banned in Kalispell, and only “properly qualified” people are allowed to set off fireworks providing they have received a permit from the fire marshal. Sparklers are not included in the ban or the permitting process.

According to Kalispell Police Det. Scott Warnell, officers aren’t allowed to take time off during this time of year because of the extra traffic in town.

“We have extra shifts out for DUI enforcement, traffic enforcement — really focusing on seat-belt violations — and alcohol violations,” Warnell said. “We’ll definitely be concentrating on the extra traffic in town and on making sure people are behaving themselves.”

Fireworks can only be sold in Whitefish between noon and 8 p.m. on July 2, 3 and 4. They may only be set off between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on the same days.

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial expects 3,000 to 4,000 visitors for the holiday, and there will be a concert going on.

“Plus it’s Canada Day on Monday, so we’re going to be busy,” Dial said.

Most of his officers will be working, including some on Whitefish Lake.

“We want people to have fun, but at the same time to be responsible — drink responsibly and be careful with fireworks because we have people getting hurt every year,” Dial said.

In Columbia Falls, fireworks may not be sold or discharged. However, residents may possess fireworks so long as they are 18 or older.

Anyone found in violation of the Flathead County, Kalispell or Whitefish regulations can face up to 6 months in jail and fines of $500. Violators of the Columbia Falls regulations face 30 days in jail and a $100 fine.