Fireworks allowed in city July 3-4
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 3 months AGO
Firworks shoot over Whitefish Lake. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot file)
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | July 1, 2020 1:00 AM
The Whitefish Police Department is reminding folks that fireworks are allowed in Whitefish only on July 3 and July 4.
Fireworks can only be shot off between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on those days. Fireworks can not be discharged within or near any city park or on public thoroughfares and public rights of way such as streets, sidewalks and walking paths.
Assistant Police Chief Bridger Kelch said fireworks can be used on private property only.
“They can’t be shot off in streets or on sidewalks,” he said. “They can’t be used in any park.”
Specifically, he notes, that Smith Fields is not a place where fireworks are allowed.
“Make sure you have permission even on private property,” he said. “Also that you do it safely including with a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.”
Copies of the rules are also provided to fireworks stands.
Violation of the city ordinance regarding fireworks, can result in a fine of $300 for the first offense and $500 for the second offense or imprisonment for subsequent offenses.
Parents or guardians can be cited, if children are violating the ordinance.
For questions, contact the Police Department at 863-2420.
The Whitefish Chamber of Commerce was forced to cancel its annual Fourth of July fireworks show over Whitefish Lake because of social distancing guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show typically draws up to 5,000 people to City Beach.
ARTICLES BY HEIDI DESCH
Whitefish wildfire protection plan up for City Council review
Fourteen areas of concern that are primed for mitigating wildlife risk are at the center of a draft Whitefish Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Kalispell resident advocates for more women in the trades after being crowned Mrs. America
Standing on the stage in Las Vegas, wearing a white formal gown accented with feathers on one shoulder, Qadra Evans gripped hands with a fellow competitor.
Whitefish mulls updates to community growth plan
Whitefish City Council on Monday will consider updates to its community plan including language that looks to protect the historic character of its downtown amid state requirements allowing buildings up to 60 feet in height in certain zoning districts.