Pocatello officials warn residents as summer fire season expands; announce burn ban and stepped-up fireworks enforcement

Pocatello fire and police officials warned residents Tuesday that an expanding wildland-urban interface and earlier, longer fire seasons have increased fire risk, announced a citywide burn restriction starting July 1 and described stepped-up fireworks enforcement and inspections ahead of July Fourth.

The message followed recent local wildland fires and display-related incidents: “The top priority for the Pocatello Fire Department is the preservation of life and property,” Pocatello Fire Chief Ryan O'Hearn said, and officials described a combination of public-education, stand inspections, targeted patrols and citations to reduce fireworks-related fires.

At a town-hall-style city council session, Assistant Chief and city fire marshal Dean Bullock said Pocatello crews responded to 16 fires between June 24 and July 5, and that on the Fourth and the morning of July 5 firefighters investigated seven fires that were related to fireworks. Bullock displayed a photograph of fireworks the department confiscated last year and said the confiscated stock was worth roughly "$8,000 to $10,000." He said one fire that day required the evacuation of a neighborhood. “These fires can happen anywhere in town,” Bullock said.

Why it matters: Officials said Pocatello’s development into foothill areas increases exposure to wildland fire. Chief O'Hearn and Bullock cited national examples and local incidents to explain why the city is expanding areas where fireworks are prohibited and why a burn restriction and enforcement measures are being put in place.

What officials announced and how they will enforce it - Burn restriction: Chief O'Hearn said a burn restriction will take effect July 1 for areas the city designates as wildland-urban interface (WUI); the restriction is expected to run through Oct. 1 or until conditions improve. - Fireworks sale/use dates: Officials said retail sales of allowed "safe-and-sane" fireworks begin June 28 at noon and that the city code permits use of allowed fireworks from June 28 through July 6 in authorized areas. - Expanded no-fireworks zones: Bullock described mapped red zones where all fireworks are prohibited, naming expanded areas on the north end of Satterfield, near Michelle Street, Stockman and Swisher, Valley View, Highland and parts of Rocky Point and Canyon. City maps and QR codes will be posted at stands and on the city website to show where use is permitted. - Stand inspections and confiscation: The fire marshal's office inspects stands before opening and periodically during the season; stands found selling illegal aerial fireworks will be required to remove them and those items may be confiscated and destroyed. Bullock said inspectors check for the “safe-and-sane” label and other safety items such as extinguishers and correct signage. - Patrols and citations: Police Chief Roger Shire said the city will put additional brush units and patrols on duty for July Fourth; last year the city issued 52 citations. Bullock noted officers seized roughly $8,000–$10,000 worth of illegal fireworks during one recent enforcement sweep.

Penalties and legal references Assistant Chief Bullock and a police representative cited enforcement options: use of illegal aerial fireworks in permitted areas can lead to seizure and fines; lighting illegal aerial fireworks in areas outside the white (allowed) zones is a misdemeanor that requires a court appearance, while the infraction fine for permitted-area violations is $100. Bullock provided a statute number for reference as Idaho Code 39-26-09 when explaining state-level code language that informs local enforcement.

Public concerns and business perspective Local fireworks stand owner Jeb Harrison told councilmembers he follows permitting, inspections and tax rules and asked the city to more aggressively target out-of-area sellers who he said undercut legal stands. Resident Christy Lewis described living on Monte Vista near a dry gully and said neighbors repeatedly fire aerials into the drainage; she said she feared for her home and pets and asked how quickly the city could respond to calls from densely occupied neighborhoods.

Officials urged residents to report illegal fireworks and to provide photos or video evidence from a safe distance and to leave contact information with dispatch when possible. Councilman Nichols and others reminded speakers that the police and fire departments prioritize calls and that response to fireworks complaints may be delayed during more serious emergencies.

Ending Officials closed by emphasizing prevention and shared responsibility: use only labeled "safe-and-sane" devices in the white zones, check the city map before igniting fireworks, store and dispose of devices safely and call 911 immediately for fires. The city urged residents to attend professional, permitted public displays as a safer alternative.