Moscow Fire Chief Brian Nickerson states, “We have been monitoring the current, up to the hour, weather conditions including wind and temperature for the past several days. While temperature alone is only one factor in calculating fire risk, within the last 24-hours we have monitored decreased humidity and other risk factors, which when taken together has now reached a severe fire risk. The vegetation in the City has dried enough to present a danger to the public when exposed to fireworks, even legally permitted fireworks. Therefore, I am exercising the authority as Fire Chief to ban all fireworks until further notice.”
Idaho Department of Lands has issued fire danger conditions as extremely high for the Northern Uplands region; that rating has also not lowered as anticipated.
Aerial fireworks are illegal in the State of Idaho, and create the biggest risk for fire. Use of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. The Fire Chief’s ban now makes the use of nonaerial fireworks a misdemeanor as well. Altering fireworks is an infraction and punishable by a fine of $100. Parents or guardians of a minor shall be liable for damages caused by the use of fireworks by their minor. Damage to persons or property resulting from the use of any fireworks can result in financial restitution, fines, and/or other civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution.
Safety is of the upmost concern for our valued community members who live here and also those who enjoy visiting. To view the Fire Chief’s Declaration click here.
If you have any questions please reach out to the Moscow Fire Department Administration office at 208-882-2831.