EBS STAFF
The City of Bozeman is hosting its annual Fourth of July fireworks show from the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. The show will begin at 10 p.m. and run approximately a half hour. The fireworks show is made possible by a partnership formed in 2023 between Bozeman Fire and local business sponsors following the city-wide ban on personal fireworks.
In 2023, in the interest of safety, the Bozeman City Commission banned all fireworks within Bozeman city limits. While last year enforcement focused on educating residents, this year, law enforcement will be out and issuing citations for those noncompliant. Fireworks, as always, are illegal to set off on any Forest Service public land.
In a July 3 press release, the city reminded holiday celebrators to find a safe ride home, as local law enforcement agencies, in partnership with the Montana Highway Patrol will increase their presence, focusing on preventing impaired driving and making DUI arrests to ensure Montanans make it home safely.
“Our goal is to ensure everyone in the community can celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly. Not only is drinking and driving illegal, it’s incredibly dangerous,” said Bozeman Police Patrol Captain Hal Richardson. “Driving under the influence puts everyone at risk. If you plan on drinking, plan for a sober ride home.”
The Fourth of July is known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” explained the release, when the most traffic fatalities and crashes occur in Montana and across the country. Montana in particular has the highest fatality rate in the nation for the number of deaths caused by impaired drivers per vehicle mile traveled–63% of all traffic fatalities in Montana are the result of impaired driving.
