Local officials respond to illegal Fourth of July fireworks
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- KRDO13 has heard from many of you who were concerned about the illegal use of fireworks this Fourth of July amid the 'Aspen Acres' fire.
It seems many people did not heed the warnings and pleas from City of Colorado Springs officials to avoid shooting fireworks this year.
Across Colorado Springs, eight fires were caused by fireworks this Fourth of July, according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department. One of these fires burnt down the back fence of a home on Austin Bluffs Parkway and Old Farm Drive.
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said they got more than 900 complaints called in regarding illegal fireworks from July 3-5.
CSPD said they believe increased public awareness and the fire conditions likely contributed to heightened call volume this year.
They were not able to respond to all of these calls due to the need to prioritize emergencies that threaten life and safety first, according to CSPD.
Out of the 80 calls they did respond to, CSPD said officers were only able to hand out three citations. Part of why that number is so low comes down to the legal process.
According to CSPD, officers must witness the violation firsthand, or the witness must sign a complaint and be willing to appear in court to testify.
CSPD also said they gave 25 verbal warnings and seized many illegal fireworks around the city.
Over in Pueblo, things looked a bit different.
The Pueblo Fire Department (PFD) saw around a 50% reduction in fire-related fireworks calls compared to last year.
With Stage II Fire Restrictions banning the sale and use of fireworks in Pueblo, PFD also saw fewer calls in the days leading up to the Fourth of July compared to past years.
“The fire department and the community come together as a team. It’s teamwork, and we get the best results, the best outcomes, when all players pull on the same rope," said Stuart Szemaraj, community risk reduction coordinator for the Pueblo Fire Department.
PFD praised the community for doing its part amid the 'Aspen Acres' fire.
“Congratulate those citizens who ... had fireworks in their possessions, and they chose restraint throughout this," said Erik Duran, fire inspector for the Pueblo Fire Department.
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