Article Contributed on: 6/30/2009 11:21:58 AM
The recent soggy weather that has doused much of the metro area with rain in recent weeks will help keep fire danger low, but safety officials are still urging residents to skip personal fireworks this season.
As in the past, all fireworks are illegal to possess, manufacture or distribute within the city limits of Denver, said Lt. Phil Champagne, spokesman for the Denver Fire Department. Violators will be issued a summons and can receive fines of up to $999.
"The bottom line is, you're needlessly endangering people's lives when you're setting off fireworks," Champagne said.
The main issue, he said, is that of personal safety. Fireworks can lead to any number of injuries, including burns, cuts and sprains.
"People always think that it can't happen to them, but the sad reality of it is it can and it does," he said.
The issue of fireworks is somewhat of a paradox for residents in the area. Everything from sparklers and spinners to bottle rockets and Black Cats are available at a number of fireworks stands along Federal Boulevard in unincorporated Adams County, but it's illegal to set them off or even possess them in some neighboring cities, including Denver.
Those illegal fireworks, however, are located in the restricted section of those fireworks stands for shoppers with out-of-state IDs and vehicle registrations.
Though lighting off a bottle rocket or a spinner can be considered part of the Fourth of July tradition, fire officials say the danger is simply not worth the risk.
"I can appreciate the fact that everyone has their own family traditions," said Wendy Forbes, public information officer for the North Metro Fire Rescue District. "But I would also urge them to start a new one and begin attending a professional fireworks display instead."
Forbes concedes the risk of igniting a fire is relatively low this year given all the rain. Even during a drier season, the North Metro Fire District typically responds to only a handful of incidents in which fireworks set off a blaze, she said.
The most dangerous fireworks are actually the ones thought to be the most innocuous - sparklers - followed closely by firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles and fountains, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Children under 15 experience nearly half of those injuries, according to the association.
BANG, POP, BOOM
Here's a look at some professional fireworks displays in Denver:
Coors Field
Fireworks shows will be held after the July 3 and 4 games against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased at the stadium box office at 2001 Blake St., by calling 303-762-5437 or by going to colorado.rockies.mlb.com.
Invesco Field
A display will be held after the July 4 game at Invesco Field, 1701 Mile High Stadium Circle, featuring the Denver Outlaws and Boston Cannons. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased by calling 303-688-5297 or by going to www.denveroutlaws.com.
Glendale
The city will host a fireworks display beginning at dusk July 3 with the best viewing north of Cherry Creek Drive South and at Creekside Park, 4400 E. Virginia Ave. Note that viewings will not be held at Infinity Park. The display is free of charge. Call the city at 303-759-1513 or go to www.glendale.co.us for more information.