The mountain town of Breckenridge canceled its July Fourth fireworks display because of tinderbox conditions in the high country, and the Four Corners has issued a fire ban.
Possible lightning storms this afternoon, combined with Independence Day campers and revelers, has fire officials bracing for the worst.
“The next few days are going to be critical for firefighters throughout the state,” said Larry Helmerick, a spokesman with the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center.
Gov. Bill Ritter’s office issued a statement Tuesday urging campers and celebrators to use caution this holiday.
“We want Coloradans to celebrate our independence, but we also want them to be mindful of their surroundings,” Ritter said. “We don’t want the Fourth of July holiday to turn into a Fourth of July tragedy.”
After weeks of hot, dry and windy weather, Mesa Verde officials issued a fire ban Monday, said park spokeswoman Tessy Shirakawa. “There is no open fires and no smoking outside of vehicles,” Shirakawa said. “The fire danger is very high.”
Montezuma County also has issued a fire ban.
Much of the Western Slope, including seven national-forest areas, are at high risk for fire, Ritter noted.
State officials urged those celebrating the Fourth to enjoy professional fireworks displays instead of setting off their own.
In Breckenridge, dry weather combined with a widespread pine beetle tree kill led to the fireworks cancellation. Current fire ratings are “very high” in nearby forests.
“We expect it to go to extreme in the next couple of days,” said Kim DiLallo, communications director for the town. “We felt it was more important to think long term and think of the safety of our forests and community.”
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-954-1822 or knicholson@.
