Be Safe On Fourth Of July: Prepare To Extinguish and Ensure No Fires Left Behind

Message From The Valley County Sheriff’s Office

On June 28, the Long Run Fire Department responded to two fires ignited by fireworks. Those lighting the fireworks did not remain on scene and did not work to extinguish or notify dispatch.

Currently, there are no county restrictions on fires or fireworks.

However, this does not preclude people from being responsible and diligent in preventing costly, time consuming and dangerous fires.

MCA: 50-63-103 states ... Liability of offender for damages and costs. A person who sets or leaves a fire that spreads and damages or destroys property of any kind not belonging to the person is liable for all damages caused by the fire, and an owner of property damaged or destroyed by the fire may maintain a civil suit for the purpose of recovering damages. A person who sets or leaves a fire that threatens to spread and damage or destroy property is liable for all costs and expenses incurred, including but no limited to expenses incurred in investigation of the fire and administration of fire suppression, by the State of Montana, by any forestry association, or by any person extinguishing or preventing the spread of the fire.

So where can fireworks be set off? Private property. Locations that do not prohibit fireworks and such could be gravel pits or areas with no grass, wood, weeds, crops.

Please be prepared to extinguish all sources of flame and diligently ensure there are no fires left behind.