Aurora still allowing limited fireworks despite growing fire bans — and the city’s show is on

AURORA | The city may be one of the few left in the metro area still allowing “legal” fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July, but there are still some rules in place to reduce fire risk.

The official Independence Day celebration hosted by the city from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday at the Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn will have a professional, half-hour fireworks display starting at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to the show, the Fourth of July Spectacular will have live music from Little Moses Jones and Ninety Percent 90s, as well as local food vendors. The event is free and attendees can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy out on the lawn. 

Many surrounding municipalities have transitioned to a Stage 2 fire ban, which prohibits all fireworks, as well as the sale of fireworks. Douglas and Arapahoe counties are in Stage 2 fire bans, though Arapahoe will allow permitted professional fireworks displays. 

For personal celebrations, residents are allowed to set off “legal” fireworks that do not leave the ground or explode, like sparklers, fountains, snakes and ground spinners, through July 4. However, certain fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and mortars, are still prohibited in the city and by state law.

While Aurora maintains a standing Stage 1 Burn Restriction throughout the year to reduce the risk of structural and wildfires, the city does allow limited personal fireworks from June 15 to July 4. 

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.

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.