Article Contributed on: 6/26/2009 11:59:14 AM
Jeffco Sheriff's Office encourages citizens to enjoy public displays
With the Fourth of July holiday looming, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is adamantly working toward preventing personal as well as topographical injuries resulting from the operation of illegal fireworks.
And with the recent excess of moisture on the Front Range, Jacki Kelley, public information director for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, says that her department is re-emphasizing to the public that July remains a "heightened fire season."
"Our concern is that people are less aware (of the heightened fire season) because of all the rain," said Kelley. "What seems green today, can be brown in three days without moisture," she said, adding that area grasses and shrubs are '"fuel for fireworks."
In a recent Jeffco Sheriff's Office press release, the department illustrates the difference between illegal and legal fireworks. The document reads that "any firework or device that doesn't leave the ground is defined as permissible, and that
any device that explodes or leaves the ground is most likely illegal in Colorado."
Although, according to Kelley, the majority of firework-related damages and injuries sustained could be greatly reduced by simply attending a city's scheduled Fourth of July festivity.
"Every year, we encourage our citizens to see their professional, local displays," she said.
Along with the soon-to-be-visible Independence Day jubilee, residents may also expect to see more police units on patrol around Jefferson County, responding to reports concerning illegal fireworks violations - most coming from concerned residents.
"We rely a great deal on the citizens," said Kelley. "We're pretty reactive ... our eyes and ears are open."
The Sheriff's Office also emphasizes that the consequences for using illegal fireworks are many and will be strictly enforced county-wide.
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Any person who violates the laws pertaining to the sale, possession and use of fireworks commits a class three misdemeanor and may face a fine of up to $750," reads the press release.
To report illegal fireworks, call the Jefferson County fireworks hotline at 303-271-8025. Residents may also call the hotline for information on where to purchase legal fireworks and for a list of area public fireworks displays.
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