Fireworks
Garfield County enacts fireworks prohibition
Garfield County passed an ordinance prohibiting the use, sale, and possession of fireworks in unincorporated areas, due to extreme fire danger.
The ordinance notes that sagebrush fuel moisture “is at or below 100 percent, a near record low. Measurements taken in the county indicate Pinyon pine and juniper fuel moisture is 72 percent (significantly below normal moisture content percentages). Fuel moisture percentages are expected to further decrease, creating high fire danger.”
Fireworks cautions and restrictions across Garfield County
Garfield County frequently experiences drought and extremely critical fire weather. In addition, frequent fire weather watches from the National Weather Service and Red Flag Warnings have accompanied the drying of area lands.
In Colorado, even on private lands, it is illegal to possess or ignite any form of firework that is propelled into the air. Whether the entire incendiary, or only a portion of it is fired into the air, it is illegal, unless you are a licensed professional with a valid permit.
Fire restrictions
Garfield County, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Upper Colorado River District Bureau of Land Management, the White River National Forest, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are not currently under fire restrictions.
Colorado River Fire Rescue requests permitted burns be completed by 1:00 p.m. every day within its district.
Glenwood Springs Fire Department has cancelled all open burn permits.
Fireworks prohibited on federal lands
Fireworks of all kinds are not legal on Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, or National Park Service lands. Explosives and exploding targets are also prohibited year round on all national forest lands.