Cass County, ND Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- State Statute
- NDCC Chapter 23-15
- Sale Period (summer)
- June 27 - July 5
- Sale Period (winter)
- Dec 26 - Jan 1
- Minimum Buyer Age
- 12 (NDCC 23-15-01)
- Burn Ban Trigger
- Fire Danger High/Very High/Extreme or Red Flag Warning
- Burn Ban Penalty
- Class B misdemeanor (NDCC 37-17.1-10.1)
- Max Penalty
- 30 days jail / $1,500 fine
Summary
North Dakota fireworks law sits in NDCC Chapter 23-15. Retail sale of consumer fireworks is permitted only June 27 through July 5 and December 26 through January 1 (NDCC 23-15-01), and only to individuals at least 12 years old. Cass County imposes burn restrictions - including a fireworks ban - whenever the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating reaches High, Very High, or Extreme, or when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning. Violating a Cass County burn ban is a Class B misdemeanor under NDCC 37-17.1-10.1.
23-15-02. Sale of fireworks prohibited. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person may offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, bring into this state or cause to be brought into this state, or use or explode any fireworks. 23-15-03. Public display of fireworks permitted by municipality or fair association within its limits - Supervised display allowed - Permit required... This chapter does not prohibit supervised public displays of fireworks by cities, fair associations, amusement parks, and other organizations. Except when such display is given by a municipality or fair association within its own limits, no display may be given unless a permit therefor has first been secured. Every application for such a permit must be made in writing to the city auditor at least fifteen days in advance of the date of the display.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Statewide rules come from NDCC Chapter 23-15. Under NDCC 23-15-01, licensed retailers may sell consumer fireworks only during the periods June 27 through July 5 and December 26 through January 1, and only to buyers at least 12 years old. Cities and counties may further restrict use within their jurisdictions; many North Dakota cities prohibit fireworks within city limits while allowing sales. In Cass County, the County Commission and Sheriff issue burn restrictions automatically when the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Danger Rating for Cass County is classified High, Very High, or Extreme, and/or when the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning.
While the burn ban is in effect, all open burning is prohibited, including campfires, controlled burns, cropland or agricultural burning, and the use of fireworks - both aerial and ground-based. Limited exceptions exist for gas stoves, charcoal/gas/wood-fired grills, and outdoor fireplaces when placed on hard surfaces at least 15 feet from vegetation with water and extinguishers available. 1, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. gov/burn before any outdoor burning or fireworks use. Inside Fargo and West Fargo, city ordinances generally prohibit fireworks year-round within city limits regardless of state sale dates.
Violations & Fines
Use of fireworks during a Cass County burn ban or in violation of NDCC Chapter 23-15 is a Class B misdemeanor under NDCC 37-17.1-10.1, with maximum penalties of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. Selling fireworks outside the statutory windows or to buyers under 12 violates NDCC 23-15-01 and can lead to license revocation. Causing a wildfire while violating a fire ban can produce additional civil and criminal liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I legally buy fireworks in Cass County?
What happens if I shoot fireworks during a Cass County burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cass County
How Cass County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Compare Cass County to another location·View the North Dakota fire regulations overview
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