"Firework season" is here and many questions arise as a result. Under State Law the sales and use of "legal fireworks" cannot be prohibited in unincorporated county areas. Municipalities under home rule can adopt ordinances that are more restrictive than State Statutes including prohibiting sales, use, and possession of fireworks within city boundaries.
Each year fireworks are responsible for starting numerous fires and attributing to large financial losses to property owners, insurance companies and the community. It is important for those using ALL types of fireworks to understand that once the fuse is ignited the consequences of a fire could result in criminal charges involving Arson, Reckless Endangerment as well as civil penalties for damages resulting from the fireworks causing fires.
The City of Centennial has adopted ordinance 2004-17 section 7.7.203 which bans sales, use, and possession of
all fireworks within city limits. Likewise, the cities of Aurora and Denver have adopted similar ordinances. The maximum fine for possession and use of fireworks within Centennial is $1000.00. Use of
illegal fireworks in the unincorporated county areas is considered a class 3 misdemeanor and can be punished as provided in section 18-1.3-501 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS).
FIREWORKS ALLOWED ONLY IN UNINCORPORATED ARAPAHOE COUNTY, TOWNS OF DEERTRAIL, FOXFEILD AND BENNETT:The "legal fireworks" allowed in unincorporated counties are defined under CRS 12-28-101. There are several categories of fireworks within the definition with specific requirements for each type of firework to be designated as permissible. However, a general rule of thumb is fireworks that leave the ground or produce a "report" (a loud bang) are considered an illegal firework. The towns of Bennett, Deertrail and Foxfield have not adopted their own fireworks ordinances and would come under the same enforcement laws as unincorporated Arapahoe County.
It is illegal for any person under sixteen years of age to purchase fireworks. Violation of this provision may be punished by a fine 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 Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office recommends that you
"
leave fireworks alone and see a professional display." If you must use fireworks we offer the following suggestions to make your Fourth of July holiday safer.......
Ø Please use the 911 system for true emergencies and not for fireworks complaints. Use the non-emergency phone numbers for your respective public safety response agencies to register fireworks complaints and to avoid overloading the 911 system potentially delaying response for true emergencies.
Ø 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 sometimes don't understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
Ø Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
Ø Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
Ø Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
Ø Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away in an outside METAL trash receptacle.
Ø Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Ø Do not dispose of used fireworks in a combustible container.
Ø Ensure that fireworks are completely extinguished by soaking them in water prior to disposal.