Wheat Ridge Police Enforce a
No Tolerance Policy for Illegal Use of Fireworks
Police and Fire work together to ensure a safe holiday weekend.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado - As the 4
th of July holiday approaches, the Wheat Ridge Police Department would like to remind citizens that
ALL fireworks, including sparklers and fountains, are illegal within the city limits. Section 5-86 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws prohibits fireworks and establishes punishment for violations in the form of fines, jail time or both. Historically the police department receives a high volume of complaints and will have extra officers on duty specifically for fireworks enforcement.
In the weeks leading up to the July 4
th holiday, emergency service provider's resources are significantly impacted by the increased number of complaint calls for the illegal use of fireworks. The increase in call load can also impact the response time to other more urgent, human safety calls.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department, Wheat Ridge Fire Department, Arvada Fire Department, Fairmount Fire Department and West Metro Fire will be working together to enforce local and State ordinances prohibiting fireworks. Each Agency is committed to ensuring a safe Independence Day for Wheat Ridge and surrounding communities and will have extra staff patrolling the neighborhoods, parks and the greenbelt. All local fire stations are accepting surrendered fireworks from community members. No questions asked.
Persons in possession of fireworks in the City of Wheat Ridge will be citied into Municipal Court; and may face a fine of up to $999.00, up to a year in jail, or both. If the use of fireworks causes serious bodily injury or damages other property than more serious felony charges apply
For Americans, Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun, vacations, and the gathering of family and friends. Independence Day can also bring tragedy. On average, more fires are reported in the U.S. on July 4
th than on any other day. Fireworks account for half of those reported fires.
Sparklers, firecrackers, and rockets are the leading contributors to personal injuries during the fireworks "season".
Did you know?
Ø The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature over 1,200 degrees? This is hot enough to cause third degree burns.
Ø Over 90% of fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms are caused by fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.
"The Fourth of July is a time of celebration, family picnics and enjoying the outdoors. Unfortunately, these celebrations can be ruined when property is destroyed or injuries occur as the result of the illegal use of fireworks. The Police Department experiences a significant increase in calls for service this time of year related to the illegal use of fireworks. These calls take away from our time to work on more serious police related calls for service," said Police Chief Dan Brennan.
All calls related to fireworks received by the Wheat Ridge Police Department will be prioritized and the first available officer will be dispatched using the following standards:
Ø Firework calls involving injury or property damage,
Ø Firework complaints of an emergent nature, eg., children present, hazardous areas, fireworks in the greenbelt, etc.,
Ø Firework complaints where the name of the person illegally using the fireworks is known or can be identified,
Ø Frequency of calls to a specific location involving the same person(s),
"In a community effort to minimize the risk of property damage and personal injury caused by fireworks, I would ask that citizens refrain from the use of illegal fireworks," Chief Brennan continued. "The police department is taking a strong enforcement stance regarding the illegal use of fireworks. Summonses shall be issued when appropriate for violations of the fireworks ordinance to include the possession, use, storage and sale of fireworks. I would encourage everyone to have a safe Fourth of July holiday by enjoying one of the many planned Fourth of July celebrations held throughout the Denver-metro area."
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