Sheriff Tony Spurlock wants to remind citizens even though we are not currently under fire restrictions in Douglas County, we all need to do our part to be smart and safe during the 4th of July weekend.
If you are going to be using “fireworks” this holiday, it is important to know what is and isn’t permitted. Douglas County has several municipalities and each one may have different rules on what is permitted. Please check with each jurisdiction for specific rules and restrictions.
The following applies to the unincorporated areas of Douglas County (this includes unincorporated Highlands Ranch and unincorporated Parker) and the incorporated Town of Larkspur and City of Castle Pines.
What are “Permissible Fireworks”?
Cylindrical or cone fountains, wheel and ground spinners, illuminating torches and colored fire, dipped sticks and sparklers, toy propellant or toy smoke device, trick noise makers and snake or glow worms are all permissible.
Essentially, a good rule of thumb to go by is: fireworks that leave the ground or produce a loud bang are not permissible to use. A few examples of fireworks that are NOT permissible may be: cherry bombs, roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, shells and rockets, M-80s and M-100s, and helicopters.
What is the Law?
All fireworks other than those considered as permissible are considered as illegal for use in the State of Colorado. Use of illegal fireworks can be punished by a fine of up to $1000.00. It is illegal to purchase fireworks in another state and bring them into Colorado (unless you are a licensed retailer).
It is illegal for any person under sixteen years of age to purchase fireworks. All use of fireworks by persons under the age of sixteen must be under direct adult supervision.
The fact that a firework is legal does not reduce the possibility of it starting a fire. In fact, permissible fireworks cause fires every year. Individuals involved with a fire that results from fireworks either legal or illegal can be charged with Arson.
What does Sheriff Spurlock suggest?
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office recommends that you “leave fireworks alone and see a professional display.”
If you must use fireworks we offer the following suggestions to make your Fourth of July holiday safer…
- Please use the 911 system for true emergencies and not for fireworks complaints. Use the non-emergency phone number (303-660-7500) to register fireworks complaints and to avoid overloading the 911 system potentially delaying response for true emergencies.
- Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
- Children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay. Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don’t go off.
- Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Do not dispose of used fireworks in a combustible container.
- Ensure that fireworks are completely extinguished by soaking them in water prior to disposal.