With Independence Day around the corner, the Westminster Fire and Police Departments would like to remind citizens about local fireworks regulations.

Fireworks that explode, emit a loud bang, or leave the ground/fly through the air ARE ILLEGAL unless used in conjunction with an approved public fireworks display with an authorized permit. If you handle, possess, sell, store, or use illegal fireworks in Westminster you can be cited. Examples of ILLEGAL fireworks include: bottle rockets, cherry bombs, M-100 or M-80 type devices, missile boxes, mortars, rockets/shells, roman candles, firecrackers, helicopters, explosive devices, or any device that projects metal, glass, or other fragments when ignited.

Permissible fireworks are only authorized from midnight on July 3 to noon on July 5. Permissible fireworks are "non-explosive" and do not leave the ground or create a loud noise. Examples of permissible fireworks include: fountains, sparklers/dipped sticks, glow worms, ground spinners/wheels, party poppers, snakes, toy smoke devices, trick matches or trick noise makers.

Westminster Fire and Police departments responded to 437 fireworks-related complaints and 10 fires caused by fireworks from June 27 - July 7, 2006. This year, fire and police are making an extra effort to educate the public on the dangers of fireworks use. For your safety, the departments are on high alert for illegal fireworks from June 27 - July 5. This includes overtime officers on duty to help enforce fireworks laws; citations will be written for violations.

The Westminster Fire and Police Departments urge you to know and follow Westminster fireworks laws and use extreme caution when using permissible fireworks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave the job to trained professionals, but if you decide to use permissible fireworks, remember the following:

* Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks (sparklers cause the most burns)
* Read and follow all warnings/instructions before using fireworks
* Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
* Only light fireworks on a flat surface away from houses and flammable materials
* Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned
* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a malfunction or fire

For more information on illegal or permissible fireworks, go to www.ci.westminster.co.us. To report illegal fireworks call the police/fire non-emergency number: 303-430-2400 ext. 5. To report a fire or life-threatening injury, call 911.