By JOLEEN TADEJ
Visiting a Montana fishing access site on the July 4th weekend is a great idea – just leave the fireworks at home.
Fire season in Montana is already underway in many parts of the state. This means it’s all our responsibility to be careful with fire and any potential sources of ignition. It’s been long-standing policy with FWP to keep fireworks off our sites to ensure the safety of our public and to protect our recreation and habitat resources.
Fireworks are illegal on all Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks sites including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and other sites.
With wildfires already starting to ignite around the state, Gov. Steve Bullock issued the following statement on Tuesday:
“The recent high temperatures and dry conditions have elevated the wildfire danger across the state, particularly in the southeast portion of the state; where conditions are extremely dry. These conditions coupled with fireworks and increasing summer recreation have put firefighters on heightened alert,” Bullock said. “One careless spark could ignite the next wildfire.”
Anyone using fireworks on FWP lands may be charged with a misdemeanor that can result in a fine up to $500.