Reminders for Enjoying a Safe Fireworks Season

The City of Nampa, Nampa Police Department and Nampa Fire District would like to share a few important reminders with the community related to fireworks:

• Aerial fireworks are illegal to set off inside city limits without a permit, (Nampa City Code 5-11-3).
• The sale of illegal aerial fireworks is not authorized within Nampa city limits (Nampa City Code 5-11-4), but current county code and state statutes still allow aerial fireworks to be sold outside city limits.
• The City of Nampa's public noise ordinance (Nampa City Code 6-7-3) is in effect daily from 11 p.m. one day to 7:00 a.m. the next day.
• The Nampa Police Department logs all fireworks-related complaints received and calls are handled by police officers as their availability allows, by priority.

Last year, the Nampa Fire Protection District received 27 calls for service related to fireworks, including two building fires between July 3-5, 2023. Of these calls, there were seven dumpster fires. The Nampa Police Department dispatch received 108 calls for service between July 1-7, 2023. Since 2020, the Nampa Police Department has received an average of 152 calls for service between July 1-7 of each year.

Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling shared, "Independence Day in America is such an important day to celebrate our country and the freedom we enjoy. With freedom comes responsibility and respect. As we celebrate, please remember to respect your neighbors and be responsible with all fireworks. Each year the Mayor's Office receives calls from frustrated residents, complaining about neighbors setting off fireworks at all hours of the night. Please respect others as the noise from fireworks can be extremely stressful for former military members dealing with PTSD, our pets and other community members. Fireworks related complaints also put a high demand on our public safety teams. Please be a good neighbor and celebrate safely and responsibly during the Independence Day holiday."

In 2016, a Nampa resident's home was destroyed in the middle of the night when an illegal aerial firework landed on their home (see photo above). The home was a total loss and there were many items that could not be replaced, along with the stress and financial burden which cannot be reversed. Please remember our actions, whether intended or not, can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

Nampa Fire Chief Kirk Carpenter shared, "The 4^th of July will always be a special holiday, celebrating our country and the freedoms we all enjoy with friends, family and as a community. Historically, it is also one of the busiest days of the year for the fire department due to the increased dangers caused by the use of fireworks. The use of illegal fireworks does increase the chances of tragedy, and you can personally be accountable should you use them and cause harm. Please be safe, be vigilant with your use of all fireworks, and remember to be respectful of your neighbors. Nampa Fire wishes everyone a safe and happy 4th!"

The Nampa Fire Protection District is publishing helpful safety reminders on their social media and additional safety tips can be found here.