It’s now one week until the 4th of July and with fireworks stands now open, the Great Falls Fire Department wants to make sure you celebrate safely.

Fire Marshall Doug Bennyhoff said “every year we end up going out on fireworks calls where people are hurt due to fireworks that have gone astray. Two years ago we had a guy loose fingers.”

Firefighters have a lot of tips on how to stay safe. You need be a least 50 feet from any structure, make sure the fireworks are on a hard stable surface, and then get at least 20 feet away. You also should not double up on your fireworks, but do follow the label on the fireworks themselves. Never hold them in your hand and always have a hose, pail of water nearby. Also, don’t try and extinguish a fire that is too big, just call the fire department.”

There are about 30 stands just outside Great Falls. All the money TNT stand on 15th street in black eagle will go to benefit a youth soccer team.

They have all kinds of fireworks from 99 cents to $600.

Fireworks may only be discharged between July 2, 3, 4 from 8 A.M. to midnight and only on private property. Fines start at $100 for the first offence, but can be as much as $1,000.