POCATELLO — With the 4th of July approaching and two fires sparked in the Pocatello area within the past week, the Pocatello Fire Department is urging the community to exercise extra caution with fireworks this holiday season.

The warning comes after a brush fire ignited June 18 near the railroad tracks on North Harrison Avenue when sparks from a man cutting steel quickly spread through dry roadside grass, and after a series of wildfires broke out on Father’s Day between Pocatello and Inkom — the largest of which scorched an estimated 220 acres. Authorities believe sparks from a passing Union Pacific freight train may have ignited those blazes, which prompted evacuations and burned within 50 feet of homes before crews could contain them.

“This just shows how dry things are,” Pocatello Fire Department Capt. Nate Houser said following the Harrison Avenue fire. “Within seconds it was moving, taking off fast. It shows how quickly these things can start moving.”

Grasses and brush throughout the area are more susceptible to fire this year due to a warmer, drier winter, according to the city. One spark, the fire department warned, could lead to a fast-moving fire.

Only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are permitted within Pocatello city limits for the 4th of July. These are fireworks that do not fly, travel or explode, such as sparklers, fountains, cones and smoke devices, and can be found at licensed stands throughout the city. Any fireworks that leave the ground or explode are illegal without a special permit. Fireworks are also prohibited in all Wildland-Urban Interface areas, including the foothills and other high-risk locations.

“We all want to celebrate this important milestone in our nation’s history,” Interim Fire Chief Shane Grow said. “With conditions as dry as they are, we need everyone to use caution and make responsible choices. A safe celebration starts with each of us doing our part to prevent wildfires.”

The city’s fire, police and public works departments are taking extra precautions to reduce fire risk and respond quickly to emergencies, with crews monitoring conditions closely throughout the holiday.

Residents are encouraged to use fireworks on flat, nonflammable surfaces away from dry vegetation, vehicles and structures, and to have a hose or bucket of water nearby. Once used, fireworks should be soaked in water overnight before being placed in the trash. Parents are warned to keep a close eye on children — young children should never handle fireworks unsupervised, including sparklers.

“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, let’s honor our country by helping keep our neighborhoods, firefighters and community safe,” the city said.

A map of fireworks-prohibited areas is available at pocatello.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2750/2026-Wildland-Urban-Interface-Map-PDF.