Why Denver's thousands of fireworks complaints result in few citations

Despite state and city laws prohibiting the use of fireworks , the Denver Police Department has received thousands of fireworks complaints.

Why it matters: Fireworks are dangerous. They are bad for the environment , raise wildfire risks and injure people every year, officials say.

By the numbers: In the last seven years, more than 17,000 fireworks complaints have been reported to DPD, according to data provided to Axios Denver.

• As of June 30, the agency already received more than 450 complaints for the year, and that number is expected to climb over the next few days.

Threat level: Catching the culprits isn't easy. Only 155 fireworks citations have been issued between June 15 and July 6 since 2017, DPD data shows.

• Police must take priority calls like shootings and crashes first — and by the time officers arrive, the issue is usually resolved.

The intrigue: DPD spokesperson Jay Casillas tells us it's unclear why there was such a spike in fireworks-related calls in 2020, when the agency recorded nearly 5,400.

• Officers suspect, however, it was likely related to the pandemic, when more people were at home to call in complaints.

State of play: In Denver, the use and possession of all fireworks — including sparklers — is banned citywide . Violators face a fine of up to $999 and up to one year in jail.

• Complaints can be made online or through DPD's non-emergency line at 720-913-2000.

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