Should We Blow Up Hamilton’s Fireworks Rules?

Most of us enjoy the public fireworks displays every July 4th in Hamilton. However, leading up to that great show at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, there are plenty of smaller neighborhood celebrations that occasionally can cause an argument or two.

The city of Hamilton is currently conducting a survey at their website, checking the public "fuse" on personal use fireworks in the city limits. First of all, here are the current rules (including Montana state laws):

The survey is fairly short and asks if you discharge fireworks yourself and if you live in the city limits. It does not ask for your name. Then, do you think the time periods for fireworks are OK or should they be shorter or longer, both on the July 4th and New Year's Eve holidays? Or should we have fireworks at all?

It also asks how concerned you are about noise level. If you are concerned about the noise, you can be more specific about how noise affects: humans (especially PTSD), pets or wildlife. Are you concerned about property damage or fire risk? What about personal injuries? And, how about litter? Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf said the council is hoping to find out if there are strong opinions about the way the city is conducting the personal use fireworks operations.