Tickets for fireworks in Colorado Springs

Posted: Jul 2, 2011 10:16 PM by Matt Stafford

Afternoon rain showers are music to the ears of local firefighters, but there's a long ways to go reversing dry conditions. So as we are approaching the Fourth of July, firefighters are getting nervous about fireworks.

"We're going out to ensure compliance with the fire code and the burn ban," says Jay Weightman, who is helping one of the crews for the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Instead of waiting for a call to come to them, the crews will try to stop them before they happen. They're hitting the streets each night through the 4th, looking for anyone shooting off fireworks.

"I think some people are going to get the wrong impression with all the moisture that we're receiving in the evening like this (Saturday)," says Jeff Hanenberg with C.S.F.D. "They might think that they're a little bit safer than what they really are."

They're not just asking people to stop or taking away their fire works, they could be writing tickets -- and if you start a fire threatening property you could be charged with arson.

"They don't think they are going to get caught," Weightman says of the people they come across still shooting off fireworks even though they are illegal in Colorado Springs.

Before you light one off, think twice, because crews are looking. You could face up to $500 in fines and 90 days in jail for the possession, use, and/or sale of fireworks in El Paso County.