The Fourth of July weekend is going to be scorching, except where it’s freezing.
Blazing temperatures and searing winds have prompted fire restrictions along much of the Front Range. But climb high into the mountains and you can tread through knee-deep snow.
“It’s a real interesting mix of conditions in our forests this year,” said Janelle Smith, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service.
The National Park Service is warning people climbing high in the Rocky Mountains to bring hats, gloves and extra food.
Even Arapahoe Basin will be open for advanced skiers through Monday with chairlifts running daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, hot, dry weather prompted several counties and parks to ban or limit fires.
Campfires, charcoal broilers, and coal- and wood-burning stoves are off limits in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Most gas-fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices are allowed.
Fireworks and open fires are off limits in the mountainous parts of Boulder County. Liquid- and gas-fuel stoves are allowed, as well as fires in most maintained campgrounds.
Park County is being even more cautious. In addition to banning wood-burning fires and campfires, the sheriff is cracking down on people smoking in many outdoor locations, using chain saws, driving off roads or trails, and blasting or welding without special permission.
Fireworks are always off limits in the state and national parks. People who possess — let alone use — them anywhere in the city and county of Denver could face up to a $999 fine or six months in jail.
Denver police and paramedics warned the public about the dangers of fireworks, telling the story of 6-year-old Cortayvis Norris, who was hit in the eye by a firework last weekend. Several blood vessels in Cortayvis’ eye broke, but by Wednesday he was up and running around.
Public-sponsored fireworks are the exception to the ban. A free Colorado Symphony concert and fireworks show will begin in Civic Center at 8 p.m. Sunday. Aurora will hold a celebration on the lawn by its municipal center Monday, with music beginning at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
There will also be several parades, including the Park Hill parade that begins at 2:30 p.m. Monday and runs along 23rd Avenue from Dexter Street to Kearney Street.
Liz Navratil: 303-954-1054 or lnavratil@denverpost.com
Have fun, but follow the rules
Colorado has a state-wide ban on fireworks that explode or leave the ground, expect for during pre-approved public displays. In general, sparklers and fountains are permitted. Check with your local law-enforcement agency for specific rules in your community, but here are some places that have clamped down on fireworks for the weekend:
