Yellowstone Country Safety * No Fireworks *

Private fireworks create a serious fire danger in the Island Park area.  Please save them for when you return home. Thank You. 

Yellowstone Country Safety * No Fireworks in the Mountains *

Private fireworks create a serious fire danger in the Island Park area.  Please save them for when you return home. Thank You.

Fireworks in Island Park

It was a dark, drizzly Fourth of July night when the crack of fireworks summoned me from our cabin. I was shocked to see that someone was lighting aerial fireworks through the trees of a nearby cabin. 

While the media focus on the danger of a Yellowstone super volcano eruption, the most likely source danger for the area is from a forest fire. A large fire could devastate entire communities in Island Park.

I made some recent inquiries regarding Fremont County fireworks laws. I found that there are none on the books. There are Federal laws prohibiting fireworks in national forests but those laws are not enforceable by county or state law enforcement. I suggested to both the county commissioners and Sheriff Len Humphries that specific limitations on fireworks for the Island Park area be considered.

The case could be made that use of personal fireworks in Island Park is not worth the possibility of a devastating fire. While residents take the appropriate steps to be safe, vacationers may not be as cautious.

With the pending arrival of the summer visitors to Island Park, residents are busy preparing for the extra company. The swelling population always raises concerns for the safety of vacationers and residents alike. Proactive steps allow everyone to have a great summer in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Fire Danger in Island Park

The 4^th of July holiday is the most active week of the year in Island Park.  Visitors have the opportunity to explore the greater Yellowstone ecosystem of Island Park without many of the limitations of the national park. Forest fires present one of the greatest dangers that accompany this increased activity.

The desire to enjoy a campfire and the tradition of lighting fireworks on the 4^th are a deadly combination as the vegetation dries out in the rising temperatures.

Island Park is part of the Targhee National Forest and is subject to the rules of the US Forest Service. The lighting of all private fireworks is forbidden in national forests, and that includes the City of Island Park. One errant sparkler could devastate the entire area and leave hundreds of people homeless.

Larry Johnson, Island Park’s volunteer Fire Chief also expressed concern for the campfires and fire pits that are prevalent throughout the area. A small gust of wind can blow an ember from the fire into nearby trees and have the same devastating effects.

Here are a couple of rules for safely enjoying your fire:

1.          Use a fire ring of metal or rock and clear all flammable material in a radius of ten feet around the ring.

2.          Always have a hose (on) or a bucket of water and shovel near the fire.

3.          Never leave your fire unattended unless you cover it with a fine mesh screen, preventing embers from being carried by the wind.

4.          Do not drop paper or cardboard on top of an active fire. The heat will carry the burning paper into the trees.

5.          If a wind begins to blow your flames sideways, put out the fire.

6.          When your night’s activities have concluded, put out your fire before leaving. Pour water on the fire, stir the ashes with your shovel and add more water.

Have a great vacation and help us protect nature’s gift.