Fourth of July fireworks display cancellations as fire danger increases
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- As crews battle wildfires across the state and in southern Colorado, concerns are being raised over fireworks displays for Fourth of July celebrations.
Some cancellations have been announced for fireworks shows, including in Pueblo West, Cripple Creek, Woodland Park and Palmer Lake. All other portions of their Fourth of July celebrations are still happening.
As of now, firework displays at Weidner Field after the Colorado Switchbacks game, Ford Amphitheater's Star-Spangled Symphony, Banning Lewis Ranch, Pueblo’s Rollin' on the Riverwalk, CSU Pueblo’s Let Freedom Howl, and Canon City’s Fourth of July Festival are continuing as scheduled.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) said no commercial firework displays will be allowed in the city if a red flag warning is issued the day of the display.
CSFD has ordered a burn ban for the City of Colorado Springs that went into effect at noon today, June 29.
As a reminder, fireworks are always illegal within city limits. This includes anything that requires ignition, like sparklers, rockets, fountains and smoke bombs.
According to CSFD, violation of the burn ban may result in fines or imprisonment, as allowed by city ordinance.
Stage II Fire Restrictions were put in place today, June 29, in both El Paso County and Pueblo County. This means that the sale and use of fireworks are currently prohibited in Pueblo County. In El Paso County, the use and sale of fireworks cannot be restricted from May 31 to July 5 unless a resolution is adopted.
The Fourth of July is already one of the busiest days of the year for police and fire, and with the increased fire danger, crews will be even busier.
“If there’s people shooting off fireworks in your area, please know that we take that seriously, but that’s not an emergency," CSFD Fire Marshal Kris Cooper said. "Do not call 911 unless that emergency results in an injury or an actual fire.”
CSFD asks that people call the non-emergency number at 719-444-7000 for all other concerns regarding fireworks.
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