Douglas County Sheriff Dave Weaver wants to remind citizens that
even though there are no current fire restrictions in the county,
we all need to do our part to be Smart and Safe during the upcoming
Fourth of July weekend.
If citizens are going to be using fireworks this upcoming
holiday it is important to know what is or isn’t permitted in the
area that you are using them. Douglas County has several
municipalities and each one may have different rules on what is
permitted.
The following is in regard to the unincorporated areas of
Douglas County to include the Town of Larkspur and city Castle
Pines North.
Highlands Ranch is in the unincorporated area of the county.
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 considered
permissible to use. A few examples 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 in the unincorporated county areas is considered
a class 3 misdemeanor and can be punished by a fine of up to $750
and/or imprisonment.
The Douglas County sheriff’s office and the fire departments
that service the county have a stringent permitting and inspection
process for retail fireworks sales. The primary objectives of this
process are to ensure that the fireworks offered at the fireworks
stand are legal under state statute; that the sales site is
operated in compliance with the fire code; and that sales to
persons under the age of 16 do not occur. The retail sales sites
must also meet the requirements of the Douglas County Building and
Zoning Departments.
It is illegal for any person under 16 years of age to purchase
fireworks. Violation of this provision may be punishable by a fine
of up to $750.00 and/or imprisonment. 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
have caused several fires in the metro area in recent years.
Individuals involved with a fire that results from fireworks either
legal or illegal can be charged with Arson.
the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office recommends that you leave
fireworks alone and see a professional display.
Make the Fourth of July safe:
Use the 9-1-1 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 9-1-1
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.
Older 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.