It will soon be Fourth of July and fireworks are often a part of community and family celebrations. And, as that holiday quickly approaches, the Town would like to remind residents that the use of personal fireworks is limited to specific types and to certain hours - between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. on the Independence Day holiday only.

Vendors may sell and residents may use only permissible fireworks, which include: cylindrical fountains, cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners, illuminating torches and colored fire, chasers, sparklers, toy smoke devices, novelties including party poppers, snakes, glowworms, sparklers, cigarette loads, trick matches, explosive auto alarms, and other trick noisemakers in any combination. As a general rule, use of fireworks that leave the ground, explode or break off into pieces is prohibited.

More important rules to remember: It is unlawful for anyone age 16 and younger to purchase fireworks, including permissible fireworks; however, youths 16 and younger may possess and discharge permissible fireworks if they are supervised by an adult 18 or older. Fireworks of any kind cannot be discharged at any time at Town parks and open space areas. Anyone found violating the Town's fireworks ordinance can be fined up to $750 and be sentenced to as many as 180 days in jail.

To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Use outdoors only.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never place any part of the body over the firework.

For more information, please call the Castle Rock Fire Department at 303-660-1066.

Angela Copeland is senior community relations specialist for the Town of Castle Rock.