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The Trust Project

Original Reporting This article contains firsthand information gathered by reporters. This includes directly interviewing sources and analyzing primary source documents.
References This article includes a list of source material, including documents and people, so you can follow the story further.
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Denver and the city of Colorado Springs ban the use and possession of all fireworks, even sparklers, joining several cities across the state. Total bans were passed to reduce the risk of fires, including wildfires, which have become an annual state summer danger.

Edgewater, Lakewood, Lafayette, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Silt and Rifle also ban all fireworks for at least part of the year. Garfield County voted to ban them in its unincorporated areas in March. Most other communities limit fireworks use to firecrackers that do not fly or fireworks that don’t explode like sparklers or fountains. 

Punishments for violating the local prohibitions vary. Colorado Springs can punish violators with a fine of up to $2,500 or 189 days in jail. Denver can levy fines up to $999 and up to a year in jail. Lakewood can issue fines up to $2,650.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

See full source list below.

References:

Fireworks, City of Northglenn, Accessed June 2027. Source link.

BOCC passes firework prohibition ordinance, Garfield County, March 19, 2024. Source link.

Fireworks caution for a safe and happy Independence Day weekend, Garfield County, June 30, 2023. Source link.

Tweet, Denver Police Department, July 3, 2022. Source link.

Fireworks, Poudre Fire Authority, Accessed June 2024. Source link.

Tweet, Denver Public Health and Environment, June 28, 2023. Source link.

Help document illegal fireworks in your neighborhood - 2024, Lakewood Together, Accessed June 2024. Source link.

Tweet, Colorado Springs Fire Department, June 21, 2024. Source link.

Fireworks Safety, City of Colorado Springs, accessed June 27, 2024. Source link.

Type of Story: Fact-Check

Checks a specific statement or set of statements asserted as fact.

Justin George is a 1995 graduate of Columbine High School. He has worked as a reporter at six news organizations including the Boulder Daily Camera, the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post. Email him at justin@coloradosun.com