Fireworks are always illegal in Colorado Springs, but not everyone obeys that law. Due to the extremely dry conditions this summer, teams of firefighters and police officers are patrolling the city to remind the public of the ban and issue tickets as appropriate.
This inter-agency effort is aimed and making sure people obey the law. The officers also want to help people understand just how dangerous the fire conditions are.
News 5 rode along with CSFD Fire Inspector Ralph Mangan and CSPD Officer Isaiah Wright as they visited a couple of block parties after getting reports of fireworks being used in the area.
"We’re just trying let people know and make them aware of the dry conditions and remind them that fireworks are illegal," Wright explained.
The pair makes up one of six teams patrolling the city. They’ll respond to specific addresses as dispatchers receive reports of fireworks use. They can also rely on their own eyes and ears to spot violators.
"It’s all about safety," said Wright. "We don’t need any more fires in the State of Colorado right now."
Pictures posted on the police department’s Twitter feed show hundreds of dollars worth of artillery shells and bottle rockets that were confiscated. Fireworks that fly or explode are always illegal in Colorado. In less dangerous times, some communities will allow lower classes of fireworks.
Wright didn’t write any tickets while our cameras were rolling. Instead, he and Mangan passed out stickers and Frisbees to the children at the block parties. They want people to enjoy the holiday, just to do it responsibly.
People who wish to call-in fireworks offenses are encouraged to use the non-emergency number 444-7000. Calls made to 911 should be reserved for an emergency such as a fire or injury.
