Can you set off July 4th fireworks in Boise? Here’s what to know about Ada County rules

Shaun Goodwin
·3 min read

Fourth of July is less than a week away, and it’s about the time of year when people start to either plan which firework show they’ll attend, or where to buy fireworks to put on their own show.

But what are Ada County’s fireworks laws?

While fireworks are banned in unincorporated areas of the county — including all of the Boise Foothills that fall under county jurisdiction — “safe and sane fireworks” can be sold and set off throughout much of the county.

Safe and sane fireworks, such as cone fountains, sparklers, wheels and whistles, are considered nonaerial fireworks that do not travel outside a 20-foot diameter.

An unincorporated area is any land not governed by a municipal organization, such as a town or city. In Ada County, that includes the Boise Foothills and large portions of the southeast region of the county, including the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.

Ada County provides an interactive online map of where fireworks are prohibited on its website.

Fireworks are prohibited in most of the Boise Foothills and most of the southeast areas of Ada County.
Fireworks are prohibited in most of the Boise Foothills and most of the southeast areas of Ada County.

Where can you buy and light nonaerial fireworks?

It is legal to purchase and light nonaerial fireworks within Boise city limits from midnight on June 23 through to midnight July 5 — similar rules also apply from Dec. 26 to January 1 each year.

The only exception is Boise city parks, including Ann Morrison and Camel’s Back Parks, and many other smaller parks.

Any fireworks that do not fall under the Bureau of Land Management’s “safe and sane fireworks” definition are not permitted for use by the general public.

Examples of banned fireworks include fireworks containing explosive material that will burn when ignited, such as M-80s and cherry bombs, fireworks that leave the ground of their own accord, such as sky and bottle rockets, or fireworks that emit sparks more than 20 feet vertically.

TNT Fireworks has 10 commercial stands throughout Ada County and sells novelty items such as sparklers at chain stores across the county, including Albertsons, Target and Walmart.

Discount Fireworks Superstore also has three Treasure Valley locations — one each in Meridian, Caldwell and Middleton.

For those wanting to see the sky alight in color, the city is hosting a fireworks display at Ann Morrison Park on the Fourth of July, starting at 10:15 p.m. Food and drink vendors, including alcohol, will be on-site at 6 p.m.

The City of Boise’s free Independence Day fireworks display lights up the sky at Ann Morrison Park on July 4, 2022.
The City of Boise’s free Independence Day fireworks display lights up the sky at Ann Morrison Park on July 4, 2022.

Fireworks safety

The city also provides a list of safety tips for before, during and after lighting your own fireworks:

Before:

  • Use legal fireworks that are available at licensed firework outlets

  • Store fireworks out of the reach of children

  • Always read and follow the labeled directions

  • Place pets who may be easily frightened by fireworks indoors

  • Always have water close by in case of a fire

During:

  • An adult should always light fireworks

  • Keep matches and lighters away from children

  • Only use fireworks outdoors

  • Light only one firework at a time and quickly move away once it’s lit

  • Keep children and pets away from fireworks

  • Do not throw lit fireworks or hold them in your hand

After:

  • Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight

  • Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly, which involves double-wrapping the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag and taking them to a local solid waste facility

  • Never re-light a “dud” fireworks. Wait 15 or 20 minutes and then soak it in water