Over the 37-year period we analyzed (1980–2016 CE), a total of 11,294 wildland fire ignitions were attributed to fireworks. Of these, the bulk (69.7%) were situated on Native American tribal lands, whereas relatively fewer occurred on public lands (24.6%), privately owned lands (5%), and federally managed areas on tribal land (0.7%). [...] On a regional scale, we see that the number of firework ignitions is decidedly concentrated in the western (W) and north central (NC) US, and particularly so for Washington, Oregon, Montana, and the Dakotas [...]
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Nearly two-thirds (62.6%) of the fire ignitions attributed to fireworks in the database occurred during the two-week period encompassing the 4th of July (June 28th to July 11th). Of these ignitions, the same general proportion of ignitions occurred on tribal land (76.8%), public lands (17.9%), privately owned lands (4.6%), and federally managed areas on tribal land (0.8%). From 1980 to 2016, the 4th of July fell on Monday, Friday, and Saturday six times each, whereas it fell on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday five times each. There were only four 4th of Julys that fell on Tuesdays.
Some tribes make money selling fireworks and providing spaces to set them off, especially when surrounding locales have banned them. Since they have sovereignty those laws aren't enforced there....
Some tribes make money selling fireworks and providing spaces to set them off, especially when surrounding locales have banned them. Since they have sovereignty those laws aren't enforced there.
Speculation: That greater access to fireworks could lead to more tribe members setting them off -whether there is patriotism involved or just "we like fireworks" is a separate issue. Many of my friends don't feel like "celebrating" the 4th but we'll often watch the fireworks regardless.
There could also be conflated issues of whether tribal land tends to be more prone to fires due to reduced water access/water rights/climate change/etc. that is in part due to being forced onto/allowed only to remain on less preferred land. But that's so variable across multiple states/reservations/tribal territories so it's just a guess on my part.
A lot of people go to tribal land to get the bigger, badder fireworks, since there's a lot of places that have laws against selling them. Around here I know I'm driving through tribal land once I...
A lot of people go to tribal land to get the bigger, badder fireworks, since there's a lot of places that have laws against selling them. Around here I know I'm driving through tribal land once I hit the big fireworks stores. I have to imagine this is why.
Some tribes are actually allowed to sell fireworks on their land, even in States where it's illegal to buy those same fireworks elsewhere. That probably has more to do with the stats than...
Some tribes are actually allowed to sell fireworks on their land, even in States where it's illegal to buy those same fireworks elsewhere. That probably has more to do with the stats than anything.
Generally speaking, in some states, tribes are not subject to state laws and instead are guided by federal laws and tribal laws. In other states, the state's criminal laws (which could include restrictions on fireworks sales) apply on tribal land—meaning, if state law prohibits sales of certain fireworks, those same restrictions likely apply on tribal land. (Quechan Indian Tribe v. McMullen, 984 F.2d 304 (9th Cir. 1993).) And to make it more confusing, state law might apply to certain tribal lands within the state but not others.
Short of untangling this web, for practical purposes, what should you know before buying fireworks in Indian Country?
What Should I Know Before Buying Fireworks in Indian Country?
If you're able to legally buy fireworks in Indian Country, it's important to remember those fireworks are only legal on the reservation. Once you cross the reservation border, you might potentially violate the fireworks laws that apply in the city, county, or state you reentered.
Even if the state you're in allows some fireworks, don't assume you're in the clear. Some cities and counties' laws on fireworks are more restrictive than the state law. For instance, the state of California allows the use of "safe and sane" fireworks but many California cities and counties prohibit them. You need to check out restrictions that cover your city, county, and state. (More on this below.)
Some tribes designate a place for non-Indians to set off fireworks before they leave tribal land. However, not many individuals drive to Indian Country just to buy and set off fireworks on the reservation. Most individuals are driving those fireworks back home for their celebrations.
You posted as I was reading about Firework Alley, Washington's tribal firework one-stop shop. I mostly wish I was able to get some fry bread myself as they have food trucks.
You posted as I was reading about Firework Alley, Washington's tribal firework one-stop shop. I mostly wish I was able to get some fry bread myself as they have food trucks.
Bison, Buffalo, Elk, Deer, and Moose burgers, and jerky were always my go-to food buys whenever I visited a reservation, since they're one of the few places you can get game meat stuff like that...
Bison, Buffalo, Elk, Deer, and Moose burgers, and jerky were always my go-to food buys whenever I visited a reservation, since they're one of the few places you can get game meat stuff like that (unless you know a licensed hunter)... although I don't eat red meat anymore so haven't done that in years. :(
But buying fresh caught Salmon, and loads of cheap cigs and beer from the reservations was (and still is) a popular recurring buy for a lot my family in BC though. ;)
I expect the same sort of thing happens this weekend/week here in Canada too, due to July 1st being Canada Day. In fact, I can hear an insane amount of firework going off outside at this very...
I expect the same sort of thing happens this weekend/week here in Canada too, due to July 1st being Canada Day. In fact, I can hear an insane amount of firework going off outside at this very moment. It sounds like machine gun fire coming from all directions.
From the paper:
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I'm confused as to why this makes it seem like Native Americans are celebrating the 4th of July?
Some tribes make money selling fireworks and providing spaces to set them off, especially when surrounding locales have banned them. Since they have sovereignty those laws aren't enforced there.
Speculation: That greater access to fireworks could lead to more tribe members setting them off -whether there is patriotism involved or just "we like fireworks" is a separate issue. Many of my friends don't feel like "celebrating" the 4th but we'll often watch the fireworks regardless.
There could also be conflated issues of whether tribal land tends to be more prone to fires due to reduced water access/water rights/climate change/etc. that is in part due to being forced onto/allowed only to remain on less preferred land. But that's so variable across multiple states/reservations/tribal territories so it's just a guess on my part.
A lot of people go to tribal land to get the bigger, badder fireworks, since there's a lot of places that have laws against selling them. Around here I know I'm driving through tribal land once I hit the big fireworks stores. I have to imagine this is why.
I don't know, but I suspect that like a lot of people, they like fireworks, and nobody's going to stop them.
Some tribes are actually allowed to sell fireworks on their land, even in States where it's illegal to buy those same fireworks elsewhere. That probably has more to do with the stats than anything.
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/fireworks-sale-and-use-indian-reservations.htm
cc: @PraiseTheSoup
You posted as I was reading about Firework Alley, Washington's tribal firework one-stop shop. I mostly wish I was able to get some fry bread myself as they have food trucks.
Bison, Buffalo, Elk, Deer, and Moose burgers, and jerky were always my go-to food buys whenever I visited a reservation, since they're one of the few places you can get game meat stuff like that (unless you know a licensed hunter)... although I don't eat red meat anymore so haven't done that in years. :(
But buying fresh caught Salmon, and loads of cheap cigs and beer from the reservations was (and still is) a popular recurring buy for a lot my family in BC though. ;)
I expect the same sort of thing happens this weekend/week here in Canada too, due to July 1st being Canada Day. In fact, I can hear an insane amount of firework going off outside at this very moment. It sounds like machine gun fire coming from all directions.
Looking at the wildfire map it appears to me that Canada is dealing with more than enough fires already.