June 30, 2008 7:56 AM
Should Denver and Colorado lighten up on fireworks?
It wouldn't be the Fourth of July if somebody didn't sacrifice a couple of fingers to celebrate our nation's birthday.
Denver's fireworks law is strict, reports Julie Poppen: snap poppers are legal, everything else is verboten. If it sparkles, leaves the ground or makes a loud noise, it's forbidden in the city.
And never, ever, try to blow up fruit. Only trained authorities can do that. Denver firefighters demonstrated the sheer destructive power of various fireworks Sunday by blowing up a honeydew melon and a watermelon.They also blew up a rubber glove and started an impressive fire using paper debris and wayward fireworks.
Here are some things Denver police and fire officials want you to know:
* Police wrote 158 citations last year to people who were using, selling or carrying illegal fireworks.
* In Denver, penalties can include a $999 fine or even a year in jail.
* Instead of driving your neighbors and their howling pets nuts, go to any one of the sanctioned fireworks shows in the Denver area. See county and city Web sites for information.
* Nationwide, 10,000 people are injured every July 4 - most of them under age 15. Most injuries are to the extremities and eyes, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
* A sparkler reaches a temperature of 1,200 to 2,000 degrees - the same as a welding torch. Grabbing a lit sparkler can net someone an immediate third-degree burn, said Denver police technician Dean Christopherson.
Denver is serious about enforcement. David Accomazzo reports on a fireworks bust on Sunday.
Police responded to an alert from the home's security system at about 12:45 p.m. Sunday. When officers arrived at the property, they noticed the garage packed with fireworks and saw a man believed to be the homeowner's nephew inside, said Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson.An officer alerted the arson unit, which seized the fireworks and carted them off in a truck.
Steven Garrod of the Denver Fire Department said the fireworks were extremely volatile and could have caused serious damage to the neighborhood.
"All it would have taken was an ignition source," Garrod said. "We have seized a danger to the community."
Many county regulations are a bit looser but generally you're limited to cone fountains, sparklers, trick noisemakers, ground spinners and other mild devices sold at the fireworks stands that pop up all over this time of year.
Now in Wyoming, where some Coloradans journey to service their fireworks fixation, it's open season for commercial fireworks.
Are Denver and Colorado's laws too restrictive? Or do they serve public safety? Should you be able to blast bottle rockets and fire off cherry bombs in your back yard? Or should all fireworks be restricted to public displays? And where do you go to watch great fireworks?
June 30, 2008
9:31 AM
JMH writes:
More "nanny state" nonsense! I'm a grown adult, I think I can handle shooting off a few fountains and bottle rockets.
I can see restrictions on large mortors, M-80's, etc. that are very powerful and that can be dangerous in the hands of dumb people, but bottle rockets and fountains? Give me a break.
But I don't think this is even about "safety", though that is the way they want to sell it. I think it has more to do with the "fuddy-duddies" who bitch and complain about the fireworks on the 4th. So now, the powers that be see the numbers of complaints and then they wonder "Can we make money off this?" It's always about the fines and making money... it is NEVER really about safety.
June 30, 2008
9:56 AM
Observer writes:
People who use fireworks are retards. The last thing I need is my home to burn down because some drunken idiot wanted to "celebrate his freedom".
June 30, 2008
10:39 AM
Revresbo writes:
People who use lawnmowers are retards. The last thing I need is my digits to be lopped off because some drunken idiot wanted to "cut his grass".
June 30, 2008
12:05 PM
Observer writes:
Rev, the day my lawnmower bites off your finger while I am cutting my lawn and you have no fault in it will be an odd day indeed.
Not so much with fireworks where you have no clue where they are going to land. We are still in a drought.
Find a better use for your money. Like buying food or gas.
June 30, 2008
12:25 PM
Matthew writes:
I am not a fan of the nanny state mentality, but given the dry conditions and the fact that fireworks pose a significant danger to anyone in close proximity — and this includes neighbors not invited or alerted to the impromptu display — it makes sense that Denver authorities are cracking down.
I happen to like fireworks and even worked as a pyrotechnician. With a few basic precautions and common sense, fireworks can be a fun and enjoyable midsummer activity.
But as the adage goes: Common sense is not so common. The CDC statistics cited above, sadly, support this.
June 30, 2008
12:49 PM
Eric writes:
I just think stupid people should be given signs (thanks to Bill Engvall for the idea). That way, we know who the stupid people are and we will not give them fireworks. I am not stupid, and have shot off many fireworks without injury to myself or others.
June 30, 2008
12:59 PM
steve writes:
to observer,
first of all your a piece of trash for using that kind of language in your first sentence. Secondly do you have any god damn idea how much heat you would need to actually light someones roof on fire? Didn't think you did so let me
tell you that you need somewhere around 500 degrees f applied for a very long time for shingles to start burning. Look up your stupid thoughts before you put them on here.
June 30, 2008
1:29 PM
robert zimmerman writes:
To steve:
Not on a shake roof like I have. *You* need to look up some stupid facts.
June 30, 2008
1:30 PM
robert zimmerman writes:
To steve:
Not on a shake roof like I have.
How does one look up stupid thoughts? Just curious.
June 30, 2008
1:37 PM
a thought writes:
Why the insults? It only takes away from your arguments.
Firworks are a symboly of our celbration. Fire is a real danger. Having watched many shows and lite off many fireworks of all types airborne or not, there are issues that make them dangerous. Peroid. I will continue to use fireworks and will continue to enjoy the only holiday that i refuse to work, but i do so with knowledge that they can cause issues.
I would like Colorado to fully support and endource using them over the new year celebration and in designated areas. Where i grew up - we use to burn off a section of land near a water source and enjoy our stuff there as a community.
With some common sense PROactive thinking, the dangerous can be reduced drastically, and we can all enjoy the fireworks ( or not ) as we would like to as Free Men and Women of the USA.
Reactive solutions will never solve a problem, for they only address what we precieve, not the real issue.
June 30, 2008
1:38 PM
a thought writes:
Why the insults? It only takes away from your arguments.
Firworks are a symboly of our celbration. Fire is a real danger. Having watched many shows and lite off many fireworks of all types airborne or not, there are issues that make them dangerous. Peroid. I will continue to use fireworks and will continue to enjoy the only holiday that i refuse to work, but i do so with knowledge that they can cause issues.
I would like Colorado to fully support and endource using them over the new year celebration and in designated areas. Where i grew up - we use to burn off a section of land near a water source and enjoy our stuff there as a community.
With some common sense PROactive thinking, the dangerous can be reduced drastically, and we can all enjoy the fireworks ( or not ) as we would like to as Free Men and Women of the USA.
Reactive solutions will never solve a problem, for they only address what we precieve, not the real issue.
June 30, 2008
1:39 PM
A thought writes:
Why the insults? It only takes away from your arguments.
Firworks are a symboly of our celbration. Fire is a real danger. Having watched many shows and lite off many fireworks of all types airborne or not, there are issues that make them dangerous. Peroid. I will continue to use fireworks and will continue to enjoy the only holiday that i refuse to work, but i do so with knowledge that they can cause issues.
I would like Colorado to fully support and endource using them over the new year celebration and in designated areas. Where i grew up - we use to burn off a section of land near a water source and enjoy our stuff there as a community.
With some common sense PROactive thinking, the dangerous can be reduced drastically, and we can all enjoy the fireworks ( or not ) as we would like to as Free Men and Women of the USA.
Reactive solutions will never solve a problem, for they only address what we precieve, not the real issue.
June 30, 2008
1:55 PM
Observer writes:
Steve - You're not too bright are you?
Last I knew, fireworks can land anywhere, like a yard, field or yard, both of which are pretty dry in the summer, especially given the lack of rain we've had lately.
Please don't allow yourself to breed, ok?
June 30, 2008
4:50 PM
Holier Than Thou writes:
Vegetation is parched. This is not a good year to shoot off fireworks. Leave that to the professionals who also keep the fire department on the scene.
I have some fireworks of my own for those who think that it's worth the risk of burning down my forest. Well, they're not actually fireworks. I have a pneumatic rifle that can take down a buck. Don't tempt me. Your knee caps may not be worth the risk.
July 1, 2008
3:42 PM
guy who blows stuff up writes:
Man I wish I could figure out where observer lived, so I could come shoot some of my sweet fireworks off next to his house.
I understand fields can catch on fire because of fireworks (which is probably unlikely). But, we are talking about the CITY of denver. My neighborhood or house is not going up in flames because of a bottle rocket.
I don't care if it's legal or illegal anyways. Doesn't change my plans.
July 1, 2008
4:22 PM
Observer writes:
Guy who blows -
I think you are on the wrong thread. Pridefest was last week.
Good luck with that blowing thing. Hope it works out for you.
July 1, 2008
5:45 PM
Guy Who Blows Stuff Up writes:
Wow. Gay joke. Awesome.
July 1, 2008
9:03 PM
John writes:
I have enjoyed backyard fireworks for many years. To just go out and ban them because a few idiots get hurt is plain stupid. A normal responsible adult has the right to light off a few bottle rockets and firecrackers. I would understand if is was extreamly dry, but it's not that dry this year.
Fireworks are sold so people can have a little fun and celebrate our nation's
idependence. What in the world is wrong with that? They aren't sold to promote arson.
It would be better for liquor to be banned to prevent drunk driving accidents. Absolutely no fireworks? Insane, completely insane. The laws of this country are becoming irrational.
July 1, 2008
9:09 PM
Angry Citizen writes:
I have enjoyed backyard fireworks for many years. To just go out and ban them because a few idiots get hurt is plain stupid. A normal responsible adult has the right to light off a few bottle rockets and firecrackers. I would understand if is was extreamly dry, but it's not that dry this year.
Fireworks are sold so people can have a little fun and celebrate our nation's
idependence. What in the world is wrong with that? They aren't sold to promote arson.
It would be better for liquor to be banned to prevent drunk driving accidents. Absolutely no fireworks? Insane, completely insane. The laws of this country are becoming irrational.
July 2, 2008
8:10 AM
Anon writes:
John/Angry - Please read the year to date annual rainfall totals for Denver. To date we are 5" BELOW normal. How does this fit into your claim that Denver is "not that dry".
Idiot.
July 2, 2008
12:47 PM
Horray for IDIOTIC Blog Comments writes:
Yeah, Anon, thats why we had to listen to weeks of idiots blithering about the FLOODING all over the state from the massive snowfall.
Guess what? Water comes from more than just rain.
July 2, 2008
12:52 PM
Horray for IDIOTIC Blog Comments writes:
Yeah, Anon, thats why we had to listen to weeks of idiots blithering about the FLOODING all over the state from the massive snowfall.
Guess what? Water comes from more than just rain.
July 2, 2008
12:57 PM
Anon writes:
12:47 - Have you failed out of special ed?
http://cbs4denver.com/weatherupdates/dry.weather.wildfires.2.761743.html
July 2, 2008
3:18 PM
Jeff writes:
just checked that page Anon and seems like pure speculation to me just cause we have not had that much rain fall does not mean it is gonna be that dry the rivers are all running higher than they have in over 5 years and that run off is a form of irrigation for the land.
Fire works are dangerous in the wrong hands and things do happen but this does seem to be nanny state issue smoking causes more fires, destruction and death than all the fire works in the world. Not saying that we need a ban on smoking nor do we need as strict of bans on fireworks, sure make em illigal just to limit them but chill out on the fines and punishment for people using them safely. Those should apply mostly to careless use.
Also all the insults just show uncertainty and lack of a good argument.
July 2, 2008
3:18 PM
Jeff writes:
just checked that page Anon and seems like pure speculation to me just cause we have not had that much rain fall does not mean it is gonna be that dry the rivers are all running higher than they have in over 5 years and that run off is a form of irrigation for the land.
Fire works are dangerous in the wrong hands and things do happen but this does seem to be nanny state issue smoking causes more fires, destruction and death than all the fire works in the world. Not saying that we need a ban on smoking nor do we need as strict of bans on fireworks, sure make em illigal just to limit them but chill out on the fines and punishment for people using them safely. Those should apply mostly to careless use.
Also all the insults just show uncertainty and lack of a good argument.
July 2, 2008
3:20 PM
Jeff writes:
just checked that page Anon and seems like pure speculation to me just cause we have not had that much rain fall does not mean it is gonna be that dry the rivers are all running higher than they have in over 5 years and that run off is a form of irrigation for the land.
Fire works are dangerous in the wrong hands and things do happen but this does seem to be nanny state issue smoking causes more fires, destruction and death than all the fire works in the world. Not saying that we need a ban on smoking nor do we need as strict of bans on fireworks, sure make em illigal just to limit them but chill out on the fines and punishment for people using them safely. Those should apply mostly to careless use.
Also all the insults just show uncertainty and lack of a good argument.
July 2, 2008
10:06 PM
duh writes:
The idiots who have a need to shoot off fireworks obviously have more money than good, or even common, sense. Therefore, if these same people have to shoot off illegal fireworks and endanger the rest of our lives and property, then let them pay the hefty fines and do the time--as in "fireworks are dangerous in the wrong hands and things do happen". . .yeah, like fires and 3rd degree burns, etc, etc, duh.
July 4, 2008
7:52 PM
Mr. Logical writes:
The concept that fireworks should be illegal because they can injure people or their property is ridiculous. All kinds of things are dangerous (automobiles, gasoline, guns & their ammo, cigarettes, electricity, bikes/skateboards, medications, alcohol, even those model hobby rockets, etc) but we deal with that risk. Instead of making all fireworks 100% illegal (other than those little snappers) how about we make some fireworks legal on the 4th of July only and then regulate it (approved fireworks areas, rules about having an extended-length lighter and bucket of water handy)? Lots of countries make setting off fireworks a regular part of celebrating (as it used to be in the US). But instead here in Denver we make it illegal and people do it anyway and instead of following proper regulation they have to hide in their backyards making the fire/property damage potential even worse. Although I don't agree with it I can handle the fireworks ban in Denver, if it's enforcement wasn't so asinine. The City says "If you get caught setting off fireworks we'll fine $1000 and we may toss you in jail for a year", however at the same time Denver still allows businesses all over the area to sell illegal fireworks. What's the deal with this? It would be very easy for them to stop the sale of these illegal fireworks in Denver (and the surrounding areas). But they don't do that instead they take their sales tax dollars from all those businesses and for the icing on the cake Denver's law enforcement can arrest citizens who buy the fireworks so they can extort even more money in fines. So lets be honest here, these laws aren't about safety... these laws are about money and nothing else. Think about it if Denver is writing a few hundred fireworks citations per year that's potentially a few hundred thousand dollars in extra revenue. If you are going to outlaw fireworks just do it --- but please don't extort money from honest hard working citizens and tell us it's for our own good.
July 7, 2008
4:56 PM
Frank25 writes:
Served 26 years in military and lived in different states with differing laws. Arapahoe County and Douglas County made ALL fireworks, of any kind illegal this year. Know that puts the panies of noise addicted in a knot, but for possible fine and damages, when you do burn something down, you could have gone to Hawaii and blasted off to your heart's content. In Christmas season 1972, I got all the fireworks I ever wanted to hear or be near in my life. Neighbor hung a roll (10,000 with fuses interleaved over a tree limb and set first fuse. About 40 minutes later, it burned out, and he lit the 2nd one. Wife and I drove my in-laws (from Denver) down Kaliakaua Ave, but when firecrackers were thrown at my car, and more were dropped from hotel windows, exploding as they hit sidewalk or on cars, I did a shortened tour, by turning into Fort DeRussey (no crackers there) and going out the other side on Ala Moana Blvd, and went straight back to Wahiawha (rented home). Somehow firecrackers, alcohol, driving auto brings out "macho man or woman" to make life dangerous for others. Lawyers don't have problem in getting a doctor to declare their client is not to blame for mental reasons, abused as a child, or unfair life. With all those mental cases out on street, why are you the only sane, responsible person who can handle fireworks (or anything else)? In past years I watered heavy on 2nd & 3rd of July to create moisture barrier. But with economy, my fixed pension, and high cost of water, I cannot afford that now. So I have to stay awake to keep some fool from burning me out of my home. Heck, have to hide behind something solid, with some "solid"??? citizens who shoot firearms vertically and even horizonally. People get shot, injured or killed and yet all of you claim to be responsible. Aurora puts out a great display, that I can see from my front window. But I keep windows and doors closed, since I don't need the noise. Vibration of house is enough. I commend those who object to being victims or targets. Explosives of any size should only be handled by adults with training and who acquired a limited permit. Accidents happen with professionals every year.
since I don't need the noise.
July 11, 2008
5:10 PM
Mel writes:
"I'm a grown adult, I think I can handle shooting off a few fountains and bottle rockets."
Hmmmmm - you know, I bet that is just what those two adults said when they went into the natural area in Highlands Ranch and started shooting off bottle rockets - and they caught a house on fire and burned a lot of the natural area.
October 28, 2008
8:48 PM
Daniel writes:
The law is the law...But, how about creating a public firework range, similar to a public shooting range? Have rules like any shooting range, maybe even locate/build the site in a low risk fire zone(the range would resemble a giant parking lot with foxholes). People could then set off fireworks anytime of the year...or maybe this is just wishfull thinking.
I try to think of solutions that satisfy all.
January 7, 2009
10:38 PM
Eh writes:
Just go to Wyoming, fireworks are not prohibited. It's not a very far drive and they're cheap... $50 never bought me so much temporary fun.