Fireworks are not allowed in Denver.
Not the sparklers. Not the little glow worms.
Nothing, nada, zilch.
So if you are planning to set them off in the city to celebrate the Fourth of July, you could end up with a $999 citation or spend up to a year in jail.
Denver police and firefighters are working together in teams of two to find people illegally setting off fireworks in the city.
Authorities are encouraging residents to report fireworks violations to a hotline at 720-913-2000 and be willing to sign a statement in case the culprit has already burned the fireworks before police arrive.
About 9,000 injuries nationally occur from fireworks each year, said Denver Fire Chief Larry Trujillo. There is also about $15 million to $20 million in property damage annually caused by fireworks nationwide.
Enforcement has begun, but police and firefighters expect the Fourth of July holiday to be the busiest night of the year.
Last year, police seized about $150,000 worth of fireworks.
“Before someone goes out and spends lots of money on fireworks, we are asking for voluntary compliance,” said Steve Cooper, division chief of patrol.
He encouraged residents to attend one of the public displays if they want to watch fireworks for the holiday.
Most of the fireworks complaints come from the city’s parks. Police will use a park ranger to patrol those on the holiday.
The single most dangerous fireworks are sparklers, even though they may seem benign, Trujillo said. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees.
Trujillo said people who illegally use fireworks may face not only fines but also additional charges if someone is injured.
Last year, someone lit a bottle rocket in bushes outside an apartment complex and caused damage to three units. A person was almost killed in that fire, Trujillo said.
“We want people to enjoy the Fourth of July,” he said, “but we want people to do it safely and legally.”
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-820-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
Para leer este artículo en español, vaya a denverpost.com/aldia
