June 6, 2024 – As the 4th of July holiday approaches, Aurora Fire Rescue reminds everyone who lives, works and recreates in Aurora of the following state laws, city ordinances and safety tips designed to reduce risks and injuries from fireworks.
Generally, the Fire Marshall’s office within AFR will make a determination by June 15 whether Aurora’s standing Stage 1 Fire Restriction may be adjusted to allow for the sale and use of fireworks. If allowed, fireworks that do not leave the ground may be discharged and sold in Aurora only between June 15 and July 4. To learn more about the legal use of fireworks in Aurora, visit auroragov.org/fireworks.
Colorado Law
In the State of Colorado, the following fireworks are illegal except when they are part of public or professional displays presented by an individual who has been certified by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control:
- Firecrackers
- Aerial devices, such as rockets and bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Cherry bombs
- Mortars or similar items, such as M-80s
Colorado law establishes penalties for setting fires and reckless conduct resulting in fires, which could include jail time of up to 12 years and a fine of up to $750,000 for some offenses. A convicted offender may be ordered to pay for property destroyed, injuries caused by a fire or restitution to emergency responders to cover the costs of responding to the fire. Victims impacted by criminal activities may also sue individuals.
Further details about Colorado fireworks restrictions and laws are available here.
Aurora Fire Restrictions
The Fire Marshall’s office within AFR determines and initiates fire restrictions for Aurora based on the U.S. Drought Monitor index. They also consider factors such as weather, climate conditions, local and regional fire activity, emergency preparedness levels and resource availability.
Throughout the year, AFR maintains a Stage 1 Burn Restriction for Aurora. This stage indicates an increasing fire danger and/or an increasing preparedness level, and that the positive aspects of allowing the use of legal fireworks begin to be outweighed by the risks in allowing the use of legal fireworks. Under this burn ban, restrictions aimed at preventing the start of structural or wildland fires based on the usage of all fireworks are imposed.
The Stage 1 Burn Ban may be adjusted for the period between June 15 and July 4, when certain types of fireworks may be allowed in accordance with the city ordinance, as conditions dictate. The Fire Marshall’s office determines by June 15 whether fireworks are permitted in the city based on the aforementioned factors. The public is notified of the Fire Marshall’s decision through news releases and citywide channels.
Aurora City Fireworks Ordinance
Section 66-34 of Aurora’s municipal code outlines the ordinance enacted by city council regulating the sale and use of fireworks in the city. The full text of the ordinance is available online at aurora.municipal.codes/Code/66-34.
The ordinance specifies permissible fireworks that may be discharged or sold in Aurora, and it restricts the sale and use of fireworks to the period between June 15 and July 4 only. Permissible and illegal fireworks are similar to the types that are allowed or restricted across the state. Possessing, using or discharging fireworks carries a minimum age restriction of 16 unless under the supervision of an adult over 21 years of age.
The maximum possible penalty for a violation of the fireworks ordinance is a fine of up to $2,650 and/or up to one year in jail and other fees and costs as imposed by the court.
Non-emergency Fireworks Complaints
To file a non-emergency fireworks complaint, visit auroragov.org/contactus. Call 911 to report life-threatening emergencies.
Safety Tips
Always use caution when possessing, using or discharging fireworks. Below are a few safety tips to follow when lighting fireworks.
- Only use fireworks outdoors.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Never hold a firework when lighting and keep your body away.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby. Soak all fireworks in water before discarding.
- Never relight a “dud” or faulty firework. Wait 5-10 minutes, then soak it in the bucket of water.