Hailey Intends to Limit Fireworks

HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — City officials in central Idaho have reduced the time period residents can use fireworks in order to lower the risk of wildfires. The Idaho Mountain Express reports that the Hailey City Council voted Monday to limit firework use to four days around the Fourth of July instead of two weeks.

The new ordinance allows fireworks to be lit from July 1 to July 5, as well as Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. The council's decision comes after a Roman candle sparked an 800-acre wildfire in July.

The fire started on private property and spread to public land, causing 12 homes to be evacuated. Hailey Fire Chief Craig Aberbach says he's working to standardize the new law throughout Blaine County but some jurisdictions want to eliminate firework use altogether.