Fireworks Safety
If lighting fireworks is included in your plans, please make sure you're doing it safely. Using fireworks safely helps protect your friends, neighbors, and our Colorado open spaces and wildlife. Use only permissible fireworks, purchased from a Colorado licensed fireworks store, stand, or tent.
Information on fire restrictions and bans can change rapidly. The most current information can and should be obtained from your local county sheriff or the forest service.
Leave the big shows to the pros!
Map of Fourth of July Firework Shows Across Colorado
Safety Messages
View all our Fireworks Safety videos on YouTube!
- Join the Fireworks Bucket Brigade!
Using the historic model of community participation in firefighting, we are asking the public to join a modern Fireworks Bucket Brigade - to be a part of the human chain and a partner in properly disposing of fireworks.
Bucket Brigade members ensure that fireworks are properly disposed of so everyone stays safe. Bucket Brigade members:
- Have a working garden hose or bucket of water readily available.
- Ensure that used fireworks are submerged in a bucket of water for at least 20 minutes after use.
- Dispose of used fireworks wet, in a plastic bag, in a covered trash can outside.
- Spread the word to others about using only fireworks that are legal and ensuring that they are properly disposed of.
Proper disposal of fireworks reduces the chance that fireworks will start a fire.
It's important to understand proper fireworks disposal just as much as it is to understand correct setup and lighting procedures.
Follow these tips to properly dispose of all fireworks:
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Smoldering fireworks left in a trash bin can start a fire.
- Allow devices to sit untouched for an hour to allow them to fully stop burning
- Dunk fireworks in water after use for at least 20 minutes, and overnight if possible.
- Soak even fireworks that don't go off. Sometimes "duds" explode late causing fire or injury
- Wrap the soaked fireworks using trash bags, Ziploc or plastic wrap so that the wet explosives don't dry out
- Fireworks are not recyclable and should never be placed in your recycling container.
- Codes, Standards & Laws
- Fireworks Program Rules (8 CCR 1507-12)
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2001. Definitions
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2002. Unlawful use or sale of fireworks - exceptions
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2003. Permits - exceptions to permit requirements
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2004. Licensing - application - fee - fireworks licensing cash fund - creation - rules
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2005. Importation of Fireworks - duties of licensees - retention of invoices for inspection
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2006. Exportation of Fireworks
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2007. Regulation by municipalities and counties
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2008. Storage of Fireworks
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2009. Seizure of Fireworks
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2010. Violations - penalty
- C.R.S. 24-33.5-2011. Denial, suspension or revocation of or refusal to renew license