Fireworks are for professionals, they aren't safe for the untrained person and are illegal in Fort Collins. If you think it's alright, it probably isn't, don't be fooled.

Fireworks What's Legal and What's Not in Fort Collins lukeruk ThinkStock
Fireworks What's Legal and What's Not in Fort Collins lukeruk ThinkStock
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The basic rule of thumb for fireworks in Fort Collins is forget about it. The rules are clear, but in your head you'll always think 'this harmless firework' is legal and it likely won't be.

Many people move into Northern Colorado all of the time and this may be your first Fourth of July here, we don't want you ending up with a $3,000 fine.

THE DOWN AND DIRTY ABOUT LEGAL VS ILLEGAL FIREWORKS IN FORT COLLINS

All fireworks, including sparklers and snakes are illegal to sell, possess or use in the city of Fort Collins.... here we'll repeat that so this is perfectly clear...

ALL FIREWORKS, INCLUDING SPARKLERS AND SNAKES ARE ILLEGAL TO SELL, POSSESS OR USE IN THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS-PERIOD!!!!!

Fireworks cause thousands of injuries every year, disturb neighbors, frighten children and dogs and come packed with a large fine.

The city of Fort Collins urges you to find a public display of fireworks and leave the 'show' to the professionals.

If you need to report the use of fireworks call the Fort Collins Police Services non-emergency number at 970-221-6540.

The city is not trying to be hard-knockers, but this time of year brings drier weather with increased fire dangers not to mention the amount of injuries associated with fireworks.

  • In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.
  • In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 57% of 2010 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 37% were to the head.
  • The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.
  • On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.  -fcgov.com/fireworks

 

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