As the Fourth of July approaches, the Durango Fire Protection District is emphatically reminding residents the only fireworks legal for private use in Colorado are sparklers, smoke balls, fountains, novelties, crackle and strobe, and wheels and spinners.
“If you are looking at something other than this, ask yourself this question: DOES IT LIFT OFF THE GROUND AND/OR DOES IT GO BOOM (EXPLODE)? If it does, then it is illegal in the state of Colorado,” said DFPD Fire Marshal Karola Hanks in a firmly worded news release.
Hanks warned that the Durango Police Department will have additional officers on duty, and they are tasked with confiscating any illegal fireworks.
“Emergency services have responded to injuries and fires resulting from the use of illegal fireworks in the past, and therefore, we encourage you to abide by state law on the type of firework you purchase,” she said.
Instead of buying private fireworks, most of which are illegal in Colorado, Hanks urged residents to join the public watching of Durango’s fireworks display beginning about 9:15 p.m. Saturday, the Fourth of July.
All city transit is free on the Fourth. A special shuttle will run from 32nd Street to the Transit Center, picking up passengers at all stops on Main Avenue, including at La Plata County Fairgrounds with its ample parking. The last shuttle will depart downtown at 10:30 p.m.
A DFPD crew, just above Greenmount Cemetery, will shoot fireworks for the public display. Some 638 shells are ready to go.
Meanwhile, the city of Durango said festivities will necessitate street closures in the late afternoon through the evening.
Main Avenue will be entirely closed to traffic, and parking between College Drive and 12th Street, as well as 11th Street from Main Avenue to East Second Avenue, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for the Stars & Stripes Parade.
As usual, the parade staging area is on the 500 block of Main Avenue and on Fifth Street from Main Avenue to East Third Avenue. The city said this area will likewise be closed to traffic and parking starting at 4:30 p.m. and will re-open by 7 p.m.
The 800 block of Main Avenue will also be closed to both traffic and parking for the Street Dance from 3:45 to 10 p.m. Officials expect the 800 block of Main Avenue to re-open to vehicles at 10:30 p.m.
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