Don’t call 911: Here’s how to report illegal fireworks in Colorado

DENVER ( KDVR ) – Despite fireworks being outlawed in Colorado, you might still see people using them around the Fourth of July.

Any firework that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal in Colorado – the only ones allowed in the state, according to Colorado law, may not contain more than 50 milligrams of explosive composition.

Exemptions apply only to those with proper certifications, and some laws vary by city or county.

Police departments, sheriff’s offices and first responders across the state are reminding folks that calling 911 is not the best way to report illegal fireworks as it can overwhelm dispatch calls. Call 911 in cases of injury or fire that threaten life or property.

When reporting the illegal use of fireworks, many agencies ask that you try to provide accurate information including a specific address.

Here’s how some agencies across the metro area are asking people to report illegal fireworks:

Denver

The Denver Police Department said there are two ways to report the use or sale of illegal fireworks in the Mile High City: online , or by calling 720-913-2000.

Aurora

Aurora Fire Rescue has temporarily lifted a fire restriction to allow the sale and use of certain fireworks from June 15 until July 4, which means fireworks that do not leave the ground or explode will be allowed for that period while the ban is lifted.

The city has set up a fireworks reporting hotline at 303-627-5678. Residents can also report online.

Boulder

Boulder residents are asked to call the City of Boulder’s non-emergency line at 303-441-3333.

Parker

The Parker Police Department has an online tool that residents can use to report the illegal use of fireworks.

Longmont

Longmont has set up an online tool for residents to report illegal fireworks , plus the fireworks call center can be reached at 303-774-4731.

Arapahoe County

For those in unincorporated Arapahoe County, Centennial, Bennett, Foxfield and Deer Trail, you can report illegal fireworks to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 303-795-4711.

Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is asking those reporting to have witnessed the fireworks and provide a specific address. This can be done by calling the fireworks information line at 303-980-7340.

You can also report illegal fireworks use online through the JeffCom website or on the JeffCom911 app .

Douglas County

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has a fireworks hotline that people can use to report illegal fireworks by calling 303-814-7118, which will be active on evenings from July 3 to 6. If you are calling outside of those times, use the non-emergency line at 303-660-7500

Fort Collins

All fireworks are illegal in Fort Collins, even snakes and sparklers , according to the Poudre Fire Authority’s website. The law was passed by the city council over 50 years ago.

To report fireworks in Fort Collins, you can use the online mapping tool or call the Fort Collins Police Services non-emergency number at 970-419-3273.

Greeley

The Greeley Police Department asks residents to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 970-350-9600 or submit a crime tip online .

More non-emergency numbers:

• Adams County: 303-288-1535
• Boulder County: 303-441-4444
• Broomfield: 303-438-6400
• Northglenn: 303-288-1535
• Weld County: 970-350-9600
• Summit County: 970-668-8600
• Arvada: 720-898-6900
• Brighton: 303-655-2300
• Commerce City: 303-287-2844
• Federal Heights: 303-428-8833
• Thornton: 720-977-5124
• Westminster: 303-658-4360

If your town or county is not listed, check your local municipality’s website for information on reporting fireworks.

Most cities and counties offer additional resources on their respective websites such as firework safety tips.

What are the legal penalties for using illegal fireworks?

In many areas, the use of illegal fireworks can result in fines of up to $750 and possible jail time. That is the penalty that state law outlines .

For example, in unincorporated Jefferson County, it is a class 3 misdemeanor punishable with fines from $50 to $750, and/or up to six months imprisonment, according to the website.

However, some municipalities can have different ordinances and enforce more severe penalties. For example, fines can reach up to $1,000 in Greeley.

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