The West Fargo Fire Department reminds residents to practice fireworks safety this Independence Day. Fireworks are extremely dangerous and can cause life-altering injuries and fires when used improperly. Residents should practice extreme caution and abide by all City ordinances when setting off any fireworks. 

Any individual who is at least 12 years of age may use, explode or possess any retail fireworks within the limits of the City of West Fargo, commencing July 4 at 8 a.m. (CST), and ending July 4 at 11:59 p.m. (CST), and commencing Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. (CST) and ending Jan. 1 at 1 a.m. (CST). The individual use, explosion, or possession of fireworks at any other time during the year is prohibited. 

No person shall ignite, discharge or use fireworks on publicly owned or controlled property, including but not limited to, park property, city or county property, school property or federally owned property without prior written authorization from the governing board or authorized representative of the public entity, which owns or controls the property. This includes public roadways, right of ways and sidewalks.

Fireworks are most safely disposed of when using a metal garbage container for soaking in water overnight before placing in a plastic bag or container. Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away. Never place garbage that includes spent fireworks in, or next to, your home or garage.

Never direct or throw fireworks, including sparklers, at another individual. Light fireworks one at a time, then move a safe distance away from the fireworks device. Ensure a bucket of water or a water source is nearby in case of fire or other mishaps. Dispose of all garbage, to include pieces of spent fireworks that may fall into public streets, neighboring yards, right of ways, and sidewalks. 

The use of sky lanterns is illegal and all other fireworks shall be limited to a 1.4G firework. Regulations can be found on the City of West Fargo website under Chapter 12, section 12-0711. 

Any complaints will be handled with the West Fargo Police Department and can result in fireworks taken away with the possibility of a fine. To report a complaint, please call (701) 515-5500. To report an emergency, call 911.