Colorado Springs puts safety first for July 4 fireworks amid drought

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Ford Amphitheater is scheduled to host the only public, large-scale fireworks display in Colorado Springs on July 4. This event will proceed despite ongoing concerns about potential wildfires.

While several private fireworks shows are planned around Colorado Springs this year, the Ford Amphitheater event is the only public one with city backing. Colorado Springs is currently dealing with drought conditions following a dry winter, prompting the city to closely monitor weather conditions. The focus on weather is intended to help prevent the celebration from becoming a disaster.

Kris Cooper, Fire Marshal for Colorado Springs, stated that the city would re-evaluate permits based on fire conditions. This process helps ensure public safety. "On red flag days, or for extreme fire behavior, then we would re-evaluate if they would have an active permit for the show or not," Cooper said.

He emphasized that community safety is the primary concern when considering fireworks displays.

"If there's a red flag day, then that would void any current fireworks permits that have been issued. Obviously, the community safety is our number one concern. If we're having bad fire conditions, we don't want to put the public at risk."

This year marks a significant double anniversary, with the country celebrating its 250th birthday and the state its 150th.

Cooper acknowledged the celebratory nature of the year but reiterated the importance of safety. "It's a big year. It's the state's 150th. The country's 250th. We have a lot to celebrate for. But what we don't want to do is put the public at risk by doing so," Cooper said.

The reduction to a single public show also helps fire crews manage the event more effectively. Cooper explained that in past years, managing multiple shows was labor-intensive. "In years past, we've had eight or nine shows around the city," Cooper said. "That is very laborious for us. So, if it's at one location, it allows us to focus our efforts and make sure the event's done right, and we can staff that appropriately."

The Colorado Springs Sports Corp is organizing the July 4 event. The organization is in weekly contact with the fire department to ensure all safety measures are in place and to facilitate the event.

If severe drought conditions persist through the summer and result in a red flag day, it is possible that no fireworks shows, including the one at the Ford Amphitheater, will occur on July 4. The Colorado Springs Sports Corp is actively working to make sure the event takes place.

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