Despite fireworks being banned in Colorado, you might still see them being used around the Fourth of July. Any firework that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal in Colorado. Legal fireworks must contain no more than 50 milligrams of explosive composition.
While some exemptions apply to those with proper certifications, laws can vary by city or county. Police departments, sheriff’s offices, and first responders remind residents that calling 911 to report illegal fireworks can overwhelm emergency services. Call 911 only in cases of injury or fire threatening life or property.
When reporting illegal fireworks, agencies request accurate information, including a specific address. Here’s how to report illegal fireworks in various areas:
Denver
- Denver Police Department: Report online or call 720-913-2000.
Aurora
- Aurora Fire Rescue: Temporarily lifted fire restriction allows certain fireworks from June 15 to July 4. Report via the hotline at 303-627-5678 or online.
Boulder
- City of Boulder: Call the non-emergency line at 303-441-3333.
Parker
- Parker Police Department: Use the online reporting tool.
Longmont
- Longmont Fireworks Call Center: Report online or call 303-774-4731.
Arapahoe County
- Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office: Report for unincorporated areas, Centennial, Bennett, Foxfield, and Deer Trail via the non-emergency line at 303-795-4711.
Jefferson County
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: Call the fireworks information line at 303-980-7340, or report online through the JeffCom website or app.
Douglas County
- Douglas County Sheriff’s Office: Report via the hotline at 303-814-7118 (active July 3-6). Outside these times, use the non-emergency line at 303-660-7500.
Fort Collins
- Fort Collins Police Services: Report using the online mapping tool or call 970-419-3273.
Greeley
- Greeley Police Department: 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. Many cities and counties offer additional resources such as firework safety tips.
Legal Penalties for Using Illegal Fireworks
Using illegal fireworks can result in fines up to $750 and possible jail time. In unincorporated Jefferson County, it’s a class 3 misdemeanor with fines ranging from $50 to $750, and/or up to six months imprisonment. Other municipalities may have stricter penalties, such as fines up to $1,000 in Greeley.
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