Responders called to over 150 firework reports on July 4

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — With the end of the country’s 248th birthday celebration the Colorado Springs Police Department and Colorado Springs Fire Department released the statistics of how many illegal firework calls responders were called to.

According to CSPD, officers were called to 167 calls for illegal fireworks just on July 4 and have gotten 251 calls since June 30. All types of fireworks with a fuse and requiring flame are illegal in city limits with only novelty items like snappers and poppers allowed.

CSPD said a fire started by fireworks that threatens or damages property is a crime of arson and possession or use of fireworks could lead to a fine up to $2,500 or up to 189 days in jail.

CSFD firefighters responded to 20 firework-related fires, seven of which occurred in dumpsters where firefighters arrived on the scene to fireworks going off in the dumpster. One minor injury to a child was reported, according to CSFD.

CSFD tells FOX21 that if fire crews see fireworks going off in a dumpster they will take more caution while getting water on the fire as quickly as possible, as there could always be something more combustible in the dumpster that firefighters do not know about. An officer on scene will designate a zone that will not be passed until it is safe to do so. Firefighters take caution until they are confident there is enough water on the fire to move closer and further work towards extinguishing it.

On July 3 at around 10 p.m. CSFD said crews responded to a major firework injury in the Cheyenne Mountain area. The reporting party said he was holding a firework when it blew up in his hand, losing most of his hand in the process.

“Unfortunately, people continue to choose to use fireworks when they are illegal in city limits. We expect the fireworks calls to continue through the weekend. These incidents are one too many and can all be prevented. All fireworks are illegal in city limits.”

CSPD said to use (719) 444-7000 to report fireworks in your area unless there are injuries or a fire threatening life or property. Police ask the public not to use 911 for fireworks as this can tie up resources for people in emergencies.

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