Four Colorado Towns Plan July 4 Fireworks as 16 Wildfires Burn Under Stage 2 Bans
Updated
Updated · The Colorado Sun · Jul 3
Four Colorado Towns Plan July 4 Fireworks as 16 Wildfires Burn Under Stage 2 Bans
3 articles · Updated · The Colorado Sun · Jul 3
Summary
Gunnison, Meeker, Bayfield and Cortez still plan professional July 4 fireworks even as Colorado faces 16 active wildfires and broad Stage 2 fire restrictions.
Local officials say the shows can be run safely from irrigated launch sites with engines, extra crews and daily reviews of weather, fuel moisture and fire behavior.
That approach breaks with dozens of other Colorado communities — including Vail, Aspen, Rifle, Craig, Montrose, Silverton, Rico and Durango — that canceled displays over fire danger and stretched firefighting resources.
The remaining shows are not guaranteed: Gunnison is already sending crews to the Gold Mountain fire, and Meeker and Cortez also say another fire or worsening conditions could trigger last-minute cancellations.
Officials argue approved public displays may reduce risk by discouraging residents from using personal fireworks, which are already broadly illegal and further restricted under Stage 2 rules.