Golden – Jefferson County commissioners are re-evaluating their tentative decision not to ban the sale of fireworks in unincorporated areas while fire danger is high.
“They are gathering information, and the sheriff is helping with the research” on options, county spokeswoman Kathryn Heider said Thursday.
The commissioners said Tuesday that a fire ban on open flames imposed three weeks ago and the availability of fireworks elsewhere made them “not inclined to initiate a ban on the sale of fireworks.”
The commissioners’ stance has been questioned in letters, e-mails and phone calls as sending a mixed message.
“Fireworks, regardless if they are the legal ones or illegal ones, are included in a fire ban,” wrote one Columbine Hills homeowner. “Then can someone please tell me why Jeffco is allowing the sale of fireworks?”
Kathy Hartman, a Democratic candidate for county commissioner, said: “In a period of such high fire danger, it’s imperative that we have a strong, consistent public policy to protect the public and our land.”
Gov. Bill Owens on Wednesday banned open burning and fireworks on all state-owned land and urged local officials to do the same.
Jefferson County has received eight applications for operating fireworks stands, but none has been approved yet.
Dave Wood, a manager with Olde Glory Fireworks, which has two tents set to open in south Jefferson County, said it’s late to be mulling a fireworks sale ban.
“Think of the jobs, think of the dollars,” Wood said, with leases signed months ago and products already on site.
Wood said the 2002 state law that allows counties to ban fireworks sales is open to interpretation.
“The only ban should be on use in certain areas of high fire danger,” he said. “People have common sense. They light the permissible fireworks in their driveways, cul-de-sacs and lawns. You don’t light them in the forest, and you don’t light them in areas with dry grasses.”
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
