MT ATF warns about illegal fireworks

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says every year they find someone manufacturing illegal explosives in Montana.

Officials say fireworks can be broken down into three categories: Consumer fireworks, which people can buy from the fireworks stands; display fireworks which are very powerful and are used by licensed professionals in firework shows; and illegal explosives which are made in clandestine manufacturing facilities.

"They can be made of various types of explosives to include flash powder which is what most fireworks are made out of, but flash powder of course, in an environment that's not licensed to manufacture these types of items is very hazardous, this is probably one of the most dangerous types of explosives out there, as far as being ignitable," explained Ken Bray, Montana ATF Resident Agent in Charge. "They can be ignited and detonated by something as easy as static electricity."

Bray says the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates the fireworks sold at firework stands by specifying how much explosive powder goes into them. He also says illegal devices are unstable, accidental detonation is very possible and these device don't have safety standards.

"That are made of shrapnel, that are made of metal pipe, that are made of PVC pipe. We've even seen devices that are manufactured with bbs and metal coins," said Bray.

ATF says consumer fireworks among many things will be wrapped in brightly colored paper, they'll have manufacturer information, directions on how to use them and will have a label which says either 1.4 or say Class C, meaning their regulated and safe for buyers to use.

Bray added that consumer fireworks are not going to be illegal even if people tape them together, but they still ask people to be safe, use common sense, and not alter these fireworks in any way, because they're made the way they are for a reason.

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