We would like to wish every citizen in El Paso County a safe and happy Fourth of July. Hopefully this holiday will pass without any serious injuries or incidents tainting its enjoyment.  Since fireworks are traditionally a major part of our Independence Day celebrations the following information is intended to help clarify which fireworks are legal in El Paso County and which are not.

If a firework is not classified as “permissible” then it is illegal to use, possess or sell.  A good rule of thumb to remember is if a firework flies through the air, explodes or shoots flaming balls, it is illegal.

Unlawful fireworks include:

• Bottle rockets

• Firecrackers of any type

• Mortars

• Roman candles

Permissible fireworks include:

• Fountains

• Ground spinners

• Smoke Bombs

• Sparklers

• Small cars/tanks with pyrotechnics

Fireworks should not be confused with “Trick noise makers.”  Trick noise makers are not classified as fireworks, and are not prohibited by the fireworks statutes.  Trick noise makers are frequently sold at fireworks stands, but are also sold at many grocery stores, including inside our local municipalities.  These items will bear a label that states they are trick noise makers.  They function by throwing them on the ground or by pulling a string. Trick noise makers include:

• Snaps (small paper wads that are thrown on the ground)

• Champagne poppers (pull string and they launch colored paper)

• Pull string poppers (small 2” paper tube with a string from each end)Both unlawful fireworks, as well as permissible fireworks are prohibited in the incorporated cities to include Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain and Manitou Springs, and all of Teller County.

We would like to remind our community, the Front Range and those areas such as highway 115 and eastern El Paso County are very susceptible to fires.  Please be cautious when celebrating with fireworks as you enjoy this Fourth of July holiday.

Burn Ban Information

In January of 2015, the County adopted an updated open burning ordnance 15-001. In addition to the State enacting open burning restrictions, this ordinance allows for restrictions on all open fires and open burning within the unincorporated areas of the county to include restrictions on the use of fireworks during Stage one and Stage two fire restrictions and during red flag days.

There are currently no fire restrictions in effect but be aware these can change from day to day and it is your responsibility to keep abreast of these changing conditions.