Denver police and firefighters are promising a crackdown on fireworks users this Fourth of July after City Council members complained that enforcement was lax last year.
Six two-man crews will be dispatched across Denver to hand out citations to those using illegal fireworks, said police Lt. Lisa Fair.
The crews will be on patrol for either a 10- or 18-day period that encompasses July 4. The crews will be staffed with a police officer and a firefighter.
Disposal bins also will be placed at strategic locations in the city so the crews don’t have to return to headquarters to get rid of the fireworks they collect.
City Council members received a briefing on the enforcement strategy during the council’s safety committee meeting Wednesday.
Denver ordinance outlaws fireworks, including sparklers. Punishment can result in a fine of up to $999 and up to a year in jail, said police Division Chief Steve Cooper.
“Part of the problem is that you can buy fireworks so close to the city,” said Cooper, who said the legislature should ban the sale of fireworks throughout the state. “The accessibility causes us huge headaches.”
Cooper and Fire Chief Larry Trujillo said public service announcements that will run on television and radio stations and ads in newspapers also will call attention to the issue.
Councilman Rick Garcia had forwarded a letter to the Police Department seeking a new enforcement plan after he received complaints from constituents who wanted the city to rein in the use of fireworks.
“It’s a very dangerous situation, and we have to do better,” Garcia said.
Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz said she also had heard numerous complaints from citizens.
“Every week before July 4 and after July 4, my neighborhood has been a constant ricochet of noise,” Faatz said. “The citizens are upset, and so are the animals.”
Staff writer Christopher N. Osher can be reached at 303-820-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com.
