South Metro Fire Rescue wants you to happy and safe Fourth of July!

Last year, SMFR responded to 45 fires between 6 p.m. & midnight on July 4th. Most of the fires involved grass or mulch, and most were caused by fireworks. 1 adult was seriously injured, and 1 child sustained minor injuries in separate fireworks accidents. Both were treated and transported by Fire Medics.

If lighting fireworks is included in your plans, please make sure you’re doing it safely and protecting all of your friends, neighbors, and our Colorado open spaces and wildlife by only using permissible fireworks, purchased from a Colorado licensed fireworks store, stand, or tent. Information on fire restrictions and bans can change rapidly. The most current information can and should be obtained from your local county sheriff or the forest service. Leave the big shows to the pros!

Arapahoe County Sheriff Fireworks Info 

Douglas County Sheriff Fireworks Info 

Jefferson County Sheriff Fireworks Info 

Proper disposal of fireworks reduces the chance that fireworks will start a fire.

Follow these tips to properly dispose of all fireworks:

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Smoldering fireworks left in a trash bin can start a fire.
• Allow devices to sit untouched for an hour to allow them to fully stop burning
• Dunk fireworks in water after use for at least 20 minutes, and overnight if possible.
• Soak even fireworks that don’t go off. Sometimes “duds” explode late causing fire or injury
• Wrap the soaked fireworks using trash bags, ziploc or plastic wrap so that the wet explosives don’t dry out
• Fireworks are not recyclable and should never be placed in your recycling container.

(Source: DFPC Fireworks Safety)