Coloradans kick off 4th of July with trip to Wyoming for fireworks

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Many Coloradans are kicking off their Fourth of July with a road trip to Wyoming. It’s legal to buy and own fireworks there, but not in Colorado.

In Colorado, the average person can’t possess, launch or transport most fireworks — and yes, this includes legally buying them in another state and bringing them to Colorado.

It’s illegal to launch — or even have — fireworks, except for “permissible fireworks,” according to Colorado Revised Statute 24-33.5-2002 . According to Colorado Revised Statute 24-33.5-2005 , the law makes it a petty offense to bring fireworks from a different state.

FOX31 caught up with several Coloradans taking the liberty to drive across state lines, despite the laws and rules.

“I got all illegal ones,” Jacob said. “Because it’s the fourth. It’s celebrating our independence.”

Jacob spent around $500 bucks on his stash despite the threat of a fine or jail time. However, going out with a bang for him comes with taking precautions first.

“You just got to be safe, you know, make sure where you’re letting them off, just have enough room, make sure it’s wet around,” Jacob said. “It doesn’t take much more than two minutes of watering the grass by you. Just make sure you have a fire extinguisher. Water.”

There are exceptions to this law , such as governing bodies granting permits for storing and discharging fireworks.

Fireworks with less than 50 milligrams of explosives are largely permissible in Colorado — such as ground spinners, fountains, illuminating torches, dipped sticks and sparklers, trick noisemakers and tube devices.

However, check your local ordinances to ensure they’re not prohibited because of a red flag warning or other fire warning.

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