Fireworks On Great Falls Ballot: What To Know

I have been asked several times recently about the new Great Falls fireworks restriction ordinance that voters will be voting on in this municipal election.

If a majority votes ‘YES’, then the new restrictions would mean, basically, that “…fireworks designed to leave the ground, such as rockets,
shells, cakes, missiles, and roman candles; and 2) fireworks
designed to explode upon activation, such as salutes and
firecrackers” would be prohibited from being sold or discharged within city limits.

Fireworks displays by, such as at the ballpark or the City display, would still be allowed through the same permitting process as currently used.

If a majority votes ‘NO’, then the previous ordinance would remain in effect and the rules for sales and discharging of fireworks in city limits would be the same as in the previous several years.

Below is an excerpt from the resolution and ballot language for the new proposed ordinance. Here is a link to the full resolution.

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REFERENCE: The City Commission of the City of Great Falls has proposed
an ordinance amending Official Code of the City of Great Falls § 9.9.030
“Permissible Fireworks,” to exclude fireworks that are designed to leave the
ground, and fireworks that are designed to explode upon ignition, except in
authorized and permitted public displays within the City of Great Falls, and
hereby refers the proposed ordinance to a vote of the people at a municipal
election to be held on November 4, 2025. A full copy of the proposed
ordinance is attached hereto, marked as Attachment “1,” and by this reference
made a part hereof.

Statement of Purpose and Implication: This ballot measure asks voters to
approve or disapprove an amendment to the Official Code of the City of
Great Falls that would restrict the use, sale, and discharge of certain
fireworks within city limits. The proposed ordinance would prohibit the use
of aerial devices, such as shells, rockets, and cakes, and devices designed to
explode, such as Roman candles, salutes, firecrackers, and similar items. The
ordinance would continue to allow the use of novelty and other consumer
fireworks (as defined by Montanan law)—such as sparklers, fountains,
snakes, and other non-explosive, non-aerial fireworks.
This measure is intended to address public safety, fire risk, noise concerns,
and impacts on veterans, pets, and vulnerable residents, while still permitting
personal celebration with lower-risk fireworks.

Proposal: The City Commission of the City of Great Falls has proposed an
amendment to Section 9.9.030 of the Official Code of the City of Great Falls,
to limit the type fireworks allowed to be sold or discharged within the
incorporated City limits. The amended Section 9.9.030 is shown below, with
proposed deleted language in strikeout and inserted language in bold:
9.9.030 Permissible fireworks.

Only those fireworks authorized by state law are permissible.

A. Fireworks permitted to be sold and discharged within the
municipal limits of the City of Great Falls are limited to
those allowed by Mont. Code Ann. § 50-37-105 (2025),
except that the following fireworks are strictly prohibited:
1) fireworks designed to leave the ground, such as rockets,
shells, cakes, missiles, and roman candles; and 2) fireworks
designed to explode upon activation, such as salutes and
firecrackers. Permitted fireworks typically include sparklers,
fountains, ground spinners, snap caps, smoke devices, and
novelty items.

B. Except as provided in paragraph A, above, or in city-approved and
permitted public displays, fireworks (as defined by Mont. Code
Ann. § 50-37-101) are not permitted to be sold and/or discharged
within the city limits under this Chapter.

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YES on Ballot Issue means you approve the new restrictions on fireworks, as described above, in Great Falls city limits.

NO on Ballot Issue means you do not approve the new restrictions on fireworks, as described above, in Great Falls city limits.