Across Morgan County, some fireworks rules and regulations vary by city

The rules and regulations that govern legal fireworks may vary by municipality in Morgan County, but the key is that any fireworks that leave the ground are illegal — except when used in a permitted display or show.

There will be at least three big, public fireworks shows on Monday, July 4, with ones in Brush, Log Lane Village and Wiggins all having been announced, plus some private ones.

First up is the Town of Log Lane Village Fireworks Show, which starts around 8:30 p.m. “closest to sunset” at Sunshine Park and the lot next to Osage, according to the town’s Facebook page. Those who want to come and enjoy the show in Log Lane’s Sunshine Park are welcome to bring a lawn chair and sit and watch the fireworks burst over Sunshine park.

Around 9 p.m., the Brush Volunteer Fire Department will set off the Fantastic Fireworks show above the Morgan County Fairgrounds and Memorial Park in Brush. This marks the end of the Brush Rodeo events.

When it gets dark, the Wiggins Fireworks Show will begin over Teets Park Amphitheatre in Wiggins.

For those who like to put on their own fireworks shows, knowing what is and is not allowed may be a good idea — or at least it could save the costs of getting a ticket or any illegal fireworks getting confiscated.

Morgan County

In Morgan County, fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, lady fingers, mortars and roman candles are all considered illegal, as per state statute, according to Morgan County Sheriff Dave Martin.

“In Morgan County we follow the state statute from the state of Colorado for fireworks, which states that any firework that leaves the ground and or explodes is illegal in Colorado,” the sheriff previously said.

That doesn’t mean people won’t buy them where they are legal, like in Wyoming, and then set them off in Morgan County or elsewhere in Colorado, which can lead to consequences.

“We chase fireworks calls a lot,” said Sheriff Martin. “People can have snakes and fountains, those are legal. We respond to the calls and try our best to start with warnings but we can issue summons or even arrests.”

Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan Police Department pointed out that the drive to Cheyenne, Wyoming to get “all kinds of cool fireworks” to light off in the city “for all of your neighbors to see” could be what leads those neighbors to call the cops.

A FMPD Facebook post stated that when it comes to illegal fireworks, the police “get calls and have to come confiscate them. We leave you with a ticket to proudly show off to your neighbors too.”

There is a purpose to the confiscations and tickets, the FMPD post stated.

“If it sounds like that is a little harsh, it is! The reason for this is that fireworks that leave the ground or explode are illegal in Colorado. We get many complaints every year about the fireworks shot off around town. While you may like it (so might some of you neighbors) many people are trying to sleep so they can go to work, dealing with animals that are very negatively affected by the loud noise, or suffering from PTSD or other disorders caused by fighting for you to have the right to celebrate this great holiday,” FMPD’s post stated. “This year, we ask that you be respectful of those around you and don’t use illegal fireworks in the City of Fort Morgan.”

As far as when the legal fireworks are allowed in Fort Morgan, the city’s Municipal Code states that they can be used “from June 1 through July 15 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. On July 4, the time is extended to 11:59 p.m.”

Erik Sagel from the Fort Morgan Volunteer Fire Department previously provided some tips for people to stay safe and still enjoy their fireworks this summer.

“We recommend wetting down the area that people will be lighting them off in,” Sagel said. “Try not to be near any buildings or tall grass or anything that can easily be ignited. No illegal fireworks that shoot off into the air.”

He also recommended paying attention to what’s around the area where the fireworks are being set off, both on the ground and up in trees and on roofs.

“Be mindful. Fireworks could land in people’s gutters that could be filled with dry leaves and then that could cause a structure fire,” Sagel said. “Or, it could land in a tree with dried out branches, it goes on. Save the big fireworks for the shows.”

Brush

The Brush Police Department recently shared on its Facebook page what city residents and visitors need to know about fireworks in the City of Brush ahead of and on the Fourth of July.

“It’s about that time of year again, the 4th of July is only (a handful of) days away. With the 4th comes fireworks. As a reminder for everyone, fireworks are not authorized to be lit in the city limits of Brush until three days prior to the 4th. (July 1, 2, 3). These include ALL fireworks not just illegal ones,” the BPD release states.

In Colorado, illegal fireworks “are not allowed to be lit any time; including the 4th,” the BPD release states. “Illegal fireworks are anything that leaves the ground or explodes. Examples would be bottle rockets, M-80s, and Black Cats.”

State law says that “permissible fireworks are non-explosive and are not intended to leave the ground. Specifically, they are small firework devices that produce audible or visual effects through combustion.” Also, “permissible fireworks may not contain more than 50 milligrams of explosive composition.”

• The types of fireworks that are permissible in Colorado include:
• fountains,
• ground spinners,
• illuminating torches;
  dipped sticks and sparklers;
• toy propellants;
• trick noise makers;
• and tube devices.

Illegal fireworks in Colorado include:

• firecrackers,
• rockets (including bottle rockets),
• roman candles,
• cherry bombs,
• mortars and similar items, such as M-80s.

Brush Police Department “will be enforcing any complaints or witnessed violations” related to fireworks and “any illegal fireworks will be confiscated and the owner has a potential to be issued a ticket.”

Brush residents and visitors were also asked by BPD to “please be mindful of your neighbors and surrounding houses” before lighting or setting off fireworks.

“They could have someone in the house that is impacted by the loud noises or a pet that becomes fearful. The police department sees a rise in dogs-at-large this time of year because they flee the loud sounds coming from them,” the release stated.

Brush Police Department reiterated that the goal is for people to have safe, fun, legal celebrations over the Fourth of July.

“We want everyone to enjoy in celebrating our wonderful country’s freedom, we only ask that it be done Safely, Respectfully, and Legally,” the release stated.

Anyone with questions about fireworks in Brush can contact dispatch at 970-842-5021.

For more information on this subject, the Brush Police Department also directed people to the state’s orders at: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/14-11_update_2003_fireworks_lawsib.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1J-YsMnk_8-xC7OAhkxQWZF2Tz1aBq-hCVAHEhbmqYVKLMC0x266qyEAI and the City of Brush ordinance  that includes fireworks rules at: https://library.municode.com/co/brush/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=CD_ORD_CH10GEOF_ART7WE_S10-7-30FIOTCO&fbclid=IwAR1COum2V3jgHTlB2KqhgZajwnqLxR5vzHbclk44OFUmCpXG_SwnKe6wgrY.

Wiggins

The Town of Wiggins will be celebrating the Fourth of July in style, with many community events during the day and evening, capped off with the big fireworks display.

But those in the town who ignore the law and set off illegal fireworks could face fines that start at $250 and go up from there.

“(We) always recommend that people follow standard safety precautions and have a water hose or a bucket of water nearby,” Wiggins Police Chief Craig Miller previously said. “We recommend people use gloves to pick them up once they are finished and put them in the bucket to make sure they are completely out. Also be mindful of having pets or young kids lingering nearby.”