Fireworks Regulations for Colorado Springs and Surrounding Areas | Local News

The holiday season is almost here, and residents of Colorado Springs and surrounding towns are eagerly awaiting the light shows that coincide with the Fourth of July celebrations.

Generally, Colorado bans the private use of any fireworks that explode or float above the ground.

Depending on where someone lives or plans to celebrate the holiday in El Paso County, certain types of fireworks may be permitted. Permitted fireworks cannot contain more than 50 milligrams of explosive.

The types of fireworks allowed in Colorado are:

• Fountains
• Ground lightning
• Illuminating torches
• Dipping sticks and sparklers
• Power toys
• Trick Noise Makers
• Pipe devices

The types of fireworks that are always illegal to use in Colorado are:

• Firecrackers
• Rockets (including bottle rockets)
• Roman candles
• Cherry bombs
• Mortars and similar items such as the M-80

The above types of fireworks are only permitted during public and professional displays.

Below are the rules and regulations for the following areas:

Colorado Springs

Within the city limits of Colorado Springs, all fireworks, including sparklers that require a flame to ignite, are illegal to purchase or possess. If caught with fireworks, citizens can be fined up to $2,500 or face up to 189 days in jail.

More fires break out in the U.S. on July 4 than any other day, said Ashley Franco, spokeswoman for the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

“We live in a very fire-prone area and are no strangers to devastating wildfires in Colorado Springs,” Franco told the Gazette in an email. “We hear people’s frustrations with the law and get a lot of negative feedback about it, but at the end of the day, we’d rather have you here alive and arguing with us than suffer a serious medical emergency or a fire as a result of fireworks.”

There are nine approved fireworks shows in Colorado Springs. Each show must go through an extensive approval process by the fire department and must adhere to specific rules of the day.

Fountain

Per Ordinance 1788, fireworks are currently legal in the Town of Fountain as long as they meet state law requirements.

The sale and use of fireworks is only allowed from May 31 to July 6. Legal fireworks are those sold at fireworks stands in El Paso County. People who want to buy, transport or sell them must be 16 years or older.

The Fire Prevention Division recommends that all legal fireworks be discharged in a safe location. Safe locations are typically located outside homes and businesses, away from dry and/or flammable vegetation and flammable structures.

Manitou Springs

Like Colorado Springs, all types of fireworks are banned within the Manitou Springs city limits, according to the local police department. Only public and professional fireworks displays are allowed.

Forest Park

The use or sale of any fireworks in Woodland Park is prohibited pursuant to Chapter 9.80 of the Municipal Code. If convicted of illegal use or sale of fireworks, citizens may be subject to a penalty of up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Statue

All fireworks, permitted and illegal, are illegal in the city per Ordinance No. 15-2017. Anyone caught selling or discharging fireworks is subject to a fine of up to $500 for each violation.