(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Fourth of July is here, and with that, law enforcement is reminding the community to leave the fireworks to the pros.
By state law, any fireworks that explode or leave the ground are prohibited. While each jurisdiction has its own laws on the matter, not all fireworks are legal in Colorado, and most are regulated for the safety of the community. In Colorado Springs, fireworks are illegal within city limits.
The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is asking the community to help them crack down on illegal fireworks by calling the non-emergency line at 719-444-7000.
“If you observe someone using fireworks, please do not call 911 unless it is an emergency,” CSPD wrote earlier in June.
As for Manitou Springs, the police department said community members could call 719-390-5555 to report fireworks violations.
The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) is also asking individuals to report any illegal fireworks, and is additionally reminding them that ‘celebratory’ gunfire is very dangerous and to not fire guns into the air.
Earlier in July, PPD and the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) seized thousands of pounds of fireworks, including some that were “homemade” and being sold.
To report fireworks with an exact location, individuals can call 719-553-2502.
“Our officers continually look for violations, but due to high call volumes, please do not tie up the 9-1-1 lines for these types of concerns unless there is a true emergency,” PPD wrote.
PPD urged individuals to be patient when calling to report fireworks and stay on the line until a dispatcher can answer.
“Pressing any numbers will incorrectly route your call,” PPD wrote. “The 4th of July is one of our busiest times, so be aware that hold times may be longer.”
Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office also reminded community members that they could call the dispatch center at 719-539-2596.
The Sheriff’s Office added they had responded to a small fire caused by a firework that was probably thrown out of a window of a moving vehicle.
“Please use extreme caution this weekend while celebrating. Throwing fireworks out of a moving vehicle in dry vegetation is just foolish.”
