Golden – Fireworks are not for sale in Jefferson County after a ban was approved Tuesday by county commissioners concerned about high fire danger.
Last week, the commissioners’ initial decision to continue permitting the sale of fireworks despite a fire ban touched off complaints from firefighters and residents.
“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 be sending a difficult message … 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 26 that prohibits open flames in unincorporated areas of the county.
Several counties – including Boulder, Larimer, Douglas, El Paso and Summit – have banned fireworks sales under a recent state law along with their use.
Owners of six of the eight pending fireworks stands in Jefferson County objected Tuesday 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.
After the 2-0 vote – with Commissioner Dave Auburn absent – fireworks vendors refused to comment.
In Douglas County, vendors have sought a preliminary injunction, asking the court to stay 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 100 feet 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 along with fire districts. Fireworks complaints can be made by calling 303-271-8025.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
Public pyrotechnics still on
Jefferson County authorities urge residents to view public fireworks displays that are exempt from the ban. Scheduled displays:
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 in Arvada; Bandimere Speedway, on C-470 at Morrison Road.
This story has been corrected in this online archive. Originally, due to a reporting error, it gave an incorrect distance from a fireworks stand to the home of Cindy and Bruce Bachleder. The fireworks stand is 100 feet from their south Jefferson County residence.
