Fireworks banned in Colorado Springs, legal to set off in El Paso County

It’s a busy week for fireworks sales. But before you light up, you need to know the rules.

Fireworks can only go off in El Paso County, not within Colorado Springs city limits. It’s a law that baffles Affordable Flags and Fireworks store owner, Jody Illett.

“The city is one of the safest places to light fireworks off because of all the pavement, the fire hydrants on every corner and the fire department five minutes away,” Illett said. “It’s a lot safer than in the county with all the wild grass.”

The city banned fireworks years ago and has no plans to reverse course.

“There is no such thing as a safe and sound firework,” Colorado Springs Deputy Fire Marshall Kris Cooper said. “They are essentially mini-explosives. It’s not only the fire hazard we’re concerned about, it’s the injury hazard. It’s not worth the risk.

Export fireworks can shoot into the sky or explode without warning. These fireworks are illegal throughout Colorado. One can buy export fireworks in El Paso County with an out-of-state license and a signed affidavit stating the fireworks will be set off outside of Colorado.

If a person is caught setting off fireworks in Colorado Springs city limits he or she could face a $500 fine and some jail time.

If one is caught lighting illegal fireworks in Pueblo County, the fine could be as high as $1,000.