File Photo by Philip B. Poston/The Sentinel
AURORA | Love ‘em or hate ‘em, expect your summer to snap, crackle and pop this year after fire officials gave the official OK today to light ‘em if you got ‘em — as long as you follow the rules.
Aurora residents will be allowed to buy and use certain fireworks between June 15 and July 4 after Aurora Fire Rescue temporarily lifted the city’s Stage 1 Fire Restriction, officials said Wednesday.
The decision comes amid severe drought across most of the state and increasing water restrictions in Aurora.
Fire officials said it uses a “data-driven” approach to determine whether fire restrictions are necessary, relying on three nationally recognized fire risk metrics developed by researchers at the University of Colorado. A fire ban is imposed only when all three metrics meet or exceed designated thresholds.
As of June 10, only one of the three measurements had reached a level that would support a fire ban, fire officials said in a statement.
“We understand that residents may have questions about lifting fire restrictions at a time when the city has implemented Stage 1 water restrictions due to drought conditions,” Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton said in a statement. “While both decisions are influenced by weather and environmental factors, they are based on different measures. In light of the ever-present risks associated with fireworks, only use those that are legally allowed, and always exercise caution.”
Aurora maintains a standing Stage 1 Burn Restriction throughout the year to reduce the risk of structural and wildfires. Fire officials have the authority to adjust those restrictions between June 15 and July 4, when some fireworks may be allowed depending on conditions.
The decision permits the sale and discharge of fireworks that do not explode or leave the ground, in accordance with Aurora’s fireworks ordinance and Colorado law.
Aurora city lawmakers legalized the restricted use of fireworks in the city in 2017, after years of outright bans.
Under city rules, fireworks may only be sold and used during that period. Fireworks that explode or become airborne are illegal under state law except as part of certified public or professional displays.
Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, rockets and bottle rockets, Roman candles, cherry bombs, mortars and similar devices such as M-80s.
The city also requires anyone possessing, using or discharging fireworks to be at least 16 years old unless supervised by an adult who is at least 21.
Violations linked to fires can carry severe legal penalties. Depending on the offense, penalties may include prison sentences of up to 12 years and fines of up to $750,000, according to fire officials. Convicted offenders also may be ordered to pay restitution for property damage, injuries and emergency response costs.
Aurora Fire Rescue said it responds to multiple fireworks-related medical emergencies, property damage incidents and vegetation fires each year. To prepare for increased risks around July 4, the department will increase staffing for its wildland specialty crews and conduct proactive patrols throughout the city. The agency also plans to operate a unified command center in coordination with the Aurora Police Department, the city’s Office of Emergency Management and other departments.
Officials urged residents to use fireworks only outdoors, avoid using them while impaired by drugs or alcohol, light one firework at a time and keep water nearby. They also advised against relighting malfunctioning fireworks and recommended soaking used fireworks in water before throwing them in the trash.
Residents can file non-emergency fireworks complaints through the city’s website at Auroragov.org, while life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
“data-driven” approach” That’s fantastic— Shows in spades what the regressive thought process proves to us to the illogical calculations with city officials. Despite the lawns around town quickly turning brown and shrubbery showing signs of stress this article rather shows a lack of official -common-sense. Further, the past years the city has demonstrated they are either unwilling or incapable on the 4th of July to minimize the big airborne cannons in neighborhoods. We have been told by the mayor specifically the city has not done a good job to keep things under control. Anyone that gets around the city is seeing lawns, greenbelts colliding with hot weather, no or little water. This year more critical than it’s ever been ever before the city officials have decided it’s okay to play with matches, at the gas station filling your car, but no worries. This “data-driven” is so important. Those that display and follow that thinking will really provide us a front the row seat to see a house or two or four burn up as the city officials wonder WTF happened? Unbelievable!
With a gardehose I wet down dry grasses and especially evergreen trees and shrubs.
Then keep bothoses charged and easily reached.
Keep a bucket full of water into which to drop used sparkler wires.
Have one person light all of the fireworks wearing safety glasses.
No one wears frilly easily-ignitable clothing.
Everyone knows STOP, DROP, and ROLL
Never hold any fireworks in hand other than sparklers.
Council has always loved the sales tax from Firework tents which sprout like dandelions. In the past it has been after those sales are made and the tqax paid that the ban then goes into effect.
In the end the law does not matter and yearly proclamations or restrictions do not matter. Residents have shown themselves to be overwhelmingly willing to violate whatever restrictions are imposed. We love our fireworks eventhough we know that love is chiuldish and even dangerous, which along with the beauty of them is part of the appeal.