Fireworks Sales Set Off Rash Of Fires

Within the first 58 minutes after fireworks were legally on sale in Boise, all area fire departments were inundated with responses to fireworks-caused fires.

In each case, dangerous fires were caused by juveniles using fireworks in an area of dry vegetation, and without adult supervision. Several fires were perilously close to other structures.

The heavy rains earlier this year caused a very heavy growth of vegetation. The hot temperatures over the last two weeks have dried vegetation to a point where it will burn explosively. Once ignited, vegetation will burn very rapidly and will even generate its own wind, causing rapid spread.

The Boise City Council has made the Foothills Fireworks Ban permanent law. All property near the wildland interface area north of Hill Road, is included in the ban area. It is illegal to possess or ignite fireworks in the ban area.

Under Idaho law, parents can be held responsible for the financial damages caused by their children.