Fireworks Safety Matters

Safety is key when enjoying fireworks. Understanding proper precautions helps protect yourself and your loved ones. Join us in promoting safe practices for a joyful celebration. Let’s keep our community safe together.

Personal Use of Fireworks

Certain low hazard fireworks are legal in the City of Evans. These are defined as Division 1.4G fireworks and are commonly called “consumer fireworks.” These types of fireworks contain only a very small amount of pyrotechnic material, produce only a noise and visual effect and cannot leave the ground. Legal fireworks DO NOT include fire crackers, pop bottle rockets, roman candles, cherry bombs and similar more powerful fireworks that are illegal under Colorado state law. Any fireworks that do not meet the definition of Division 1.4G will continue to be illegal in Evans as they are throughout Colorado.
City of Evans Fireworks Code

LEGAL CONSUMER FIREWORKS

  • Cylindrical fountains
  • Cone fountains
  • Ground spinner
  • Dipped sticks and sparklers
  • Snake or glow worm
  • Trick noisemakers
  • Trick or novelty items that smoke, pop, or sparkle

ILLEGAL FIREWORKS

Fireworks that leave the ground, explode or fragment, such as bottle rockets, mortars, roman candles, firecrackers, cherry bombs and similar more powerful fireworks are illegal in the State of Colorado and the City of Evans. The following are considered illegal fireworks in the City of Evans: blank cartridges, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, toy guns, in which explosives are used; fire balloons (balloons of the type which have a burning material of any kind attached thereto or which require fire underneath to propel them); firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, rockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, Day-Glow bombs, torches or other fireworks of like construction and any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.

A fine and court cost may be imposed for use of illegal fireworks.

According to PREVENT BLINDNESS AMERICA, hospitals see nearly 13,000 fireworks victims every year. More than half of those injured are children. Fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in users, but also 40 percent of fireworks mishaps injure bystanders.

The three types of fireworks that cause the most injuries are bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers. Bottle rockets and firecrackers can fly in any direction prior to exploding and sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt gold (1,800° F).

When using legal fireworks, keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair.
  • Buy only legal fireworks (see below for City of Evans restrictions), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
  • Never try to make your own fireworks.
  • Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
  • Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone.
  • Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
  • Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
  • Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
  • Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
  • Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
  • Keep pets indoors – Fourth of July is the #1 day in which pets get lost and end up in shelters. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed by the sound of fireworks. Frightened dogs will jump fences and run in an attempt to get away from the noise.

If someone is injured by fireworks, immediately call 911. If an eye injury occurs, don’t touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don’t flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your eyesight may depend on it. If it’s a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice).