Aurora – The fireworks stands bordering the city limits lead some to believe that sparklers, spinners and fountains are legal to use in Aurora.
But a simple sparkler in the hand of a toddler could bring a $250 fine. A pop-bottle rocket could mean a $1,000 citation.
And if someone starts a fire in a field or burns a house using illegal fireworks, he could be charged criminally and have to pay damages, said Aurora Fire Department spokesman Kevin Moffitt.
Firefighters and police in Aurora say they will be out in force starting Friday, citing anyone using illegal fireworks.
“Every year, people tell us, ‘But I bought the fireworks in Aurora,”‘ Moffitt said.
That excuse won’t work, he said.
But it can be confusing for residents of Aurora and other cities that ban fireworks. In many cases, fireworks are being sold at temporary stands or tents in vacant lots or parking lots close to the city limits in unincorporated areas, where they are legal.
Mike Nicholson, for example, sells fireworks for Abundant Life Christian Church of Arvada in a circus-sized red-and-white tent near East Iliff Avenue and South Parker Road. He said many customers who buy fireworks packages, which can cost as much as $500, live in Aurora.
“Most ask about (city fireworks laws),” Nicholson said. “They say, ‘We’ll just take our chances.”‘
He predicted that the tent’s long rows of tables stacked high with “Martian Greeting,” “Hawaii Delight” and “The Big Bang” cones and fountains will sell out by Monday.
“If people would not be stupid about this, it would be a lot of fun,” he said. “But some people will hold something in their hand, and it will blow.”
In Colorado, counties cannot prohibit the sale and use of fireworks that are legal by the state’s standards, which include those that do not explode or leave the ground.
But most cities have banned all fireworks, including sparklers, said Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson.
Arvada has had a total ban on all fireworks, including sparklers, since 1938, and anyone caught shooting them off faces a fine of up to $999.
Other cities banning fireworks include Denver, Centennial, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Golden.
The use of fireworks is permitted in Westminster beginning Sunday through Tuesday – but only those that do not explode or leave the ground. Those include sparklers, fountains and ground spinners.
All fireworks are prohibited on public lands, such as city parks, county open space, and state and national forests and campgrounds, Jefferson County sheriff’s spokesman Jim Shires said.
Last July 4, an illegal bottle rocket caused $15,000 in fire damage to one house, Robinson said. He said one or two fires are started every year in Arapahoe County by fireworks.
Aurora arson investigators will be riding with police to cite anyone using fireworks.
Every year, Moffitt said, people blow off fingers and lose eyes in fireworks-related mishaps. Burns are the most common injuries, and almost half of the injuries are to the head, followed by the hands and fingers.
“We’re just trying to keep people safe,” he said.
Staff writer Ann Schrader contributed to this report.
Staff writer Kirk Mitchell can be reached at 303-820-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com.
Fireworks facts
Legal fireworks
In places where fireworks are permitted, they generally must be the type that don’t explode or leave the ground, such as cone or cylindrical foundations, sparklers, wheels and ground spinners, toy smoke items or glow worms.
Illegal fireworks
Any devices or pieces that when ignited shoot out any fragments. Examples are M-80s, roman candles, rockets and cherry bombs.
Tips
Read and follow label instructions.
Adult should be present when children are involved.
Use only outdoors.
Wear eye protection, and have water and a fire extinguisher nearby.
Don’t give fireworks to small children.
Don’t throw or point fireworks at other people.
Don’t experiment with or make your own fireworks.
Source: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
