Golden – Fireworks are not for sale in Jefferson County after a ban was approved today by county commissioners concerned about high fire danger.
“It’s not lost on this board that 75 percent of the county is mountainous and the fire danger is high,” commissioner Kevin McCasky said.
“If we allow the sale, most people are going to use fireworks in their neighborhoods,” he added. “We would sending a difficult message for folks to adhere to by being able to buy them and not being able to use them.”
Fireworks are illegal to use and sell in the county’s cities. Jeffco Sheriff Ted Mink imposed a fire ban on May 2 that prohibits open flames in unincorporated areas of the county.
Several counties, including Boulder, Larimer, Douglas, El Paso and Summit, have banned fireworks sale and use under a recent state law.
Owners of six of the eight pending fireworks stands in Jefferson County objected today to the county’s interpretation of the state statute.
They argued that counties can ban fireworks sales only in areas where there is high fire danger and that the stands are strictly inspected and are in safe areas.
In Douglas County, vendors have filed a legal challenge to the county board’s June 15 action that banned fireworks sales as part of a fire ban.
Jeffco Commissioner Jim Congrove said he also anticipated a court challenge.
Cindy and Bruce Bachleder of South Jefferson County are so concerned about the fireworks stand that pops up 100 yards each year from their home that they board their dog, have friends safeguard precious photos and leave town until the fireworks frenzy is over.
“That’s great news,” Cindy Bachleder said of the sales ban.
Undersheriff Ray Fleer said deputies and reserve officers will aggressively enforce the ban. Fireworks complaints can be made by calling 303-271-8025.
Jefferson County authorities urged residents to view public fireworks displays that will go off as scheduled, including:
Saturday – Clement Park, West Bowles Avenue between South Pierce Street and South Wadsworth Boulevard; Monday – Citizens Park, West 24th Avenue and Chase Street in Edgewater; Heritage Square, 18301 W. Colfax Ave., Golden; Tuesday – Lions Park, 10th and Maple streets, Golden; Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex, West 58th Avenue west of Kipling, Arvada; Bandimere Speedway on C-470 at Morrison Road.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
