Sheriff’s Office clarifies some fireworks are still illegal in unincorporated El Paso County
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Sheriff's Office clarified lifting the firework ban for unincorporated El Paso County. Rescinding the ban made the sale and possession of fireworks legal, however, the use of certain fireworks is still illegal.
The following fireworks are still illegal:
- Bottle rockets
- Mortars
- Roman candles
- Fountains/Ground spinners
- Any fireworks that flies or explodes
Violators could face a fine of up to $750, and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office asks people to go to a public firework show put on by experts.
Additionally, people are asked to closely monitor children when they're at events where fireworks are used. Data supplied by the Sheriff's Office shows the risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people between the ages of 15 and 24, and under the age of 10.
Currently, unincorporated El Paso County is not under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, meaning the area doesn't warrant going into fire restrictions.
The Sheriff, Deputy Fire Warden, the National Weather Service, and other Fire officials say they will monitor weather and fire danger conditions and may enact additional restrictions as needed. Nationwide, more than 16,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.
To report illegal fireworks, you're asked to call the non-emergency number at (719)-390-5555.