Compiled by Wende Reoch
Growing up in the South, I was more than passingly familiar with fireworks and was often the go-to family member at annual July 4th get togethers to supervise (i.e. explode) the ordinance. But these days I happily celebrate Independence Day in Denver — given our extreme dry conditions, knowing how dogs (and some people) hate the noise along with the plain fact their use is not allowed — having forsworn the pleasures of blowing things up. With so many events in Denver with fireworks displays I could never rival, I am at peace with laying down my sparkler. Here are a few lists of Fireworks Shows across Colorado and in Denver:
If you are heading for the mountains, please know that Fire Restrictions are in Effect for Denver’s Mountain Parks & Open Space: Read the details here.
Here’s the skinny: Fireworks are illegal in Denver and can result in a $999 fine up to a year’s time behind bars. DPD encourages residents to report fireworks by calling 720-913-2059. Many metropolitan area departments, including Denver, have set up separate lines to take illegal fireworks calls and are asking 
residents not bog down the 911 system, which is meant for responding to serious crimes or to those experiencing a life threatening emergency.
Reporting Illegal Fireworks: In Denver, there are two ways to report the use or sale of illegal fireworks:
Online at Denvergov.org/pocketgov – select “Report Fireworks”
Again, call 720-913-2059 (this is a dedicated line for reporting illegal fireworks)
Fire Pits, Chimineas, and Open Fires – from the DFD website
Even though portable fire pits and chimineas are fashionable and widely offered for sale in garden centers and home stores, open burning of wood (or any products other than propane, natural gas, or charcoal briquettes) is outlawed in Denver without permits from the Denver Department of Environmental Health and the Fire Prevention and Investigation Division.
This regulation stems from the years of Denver’s “brown cloud” and the area’s subsequent efforts to maintain clean air standards. (Please note that home barbeques using propane, natural gas or charcoal briquettes, are exempt.) Additionally, burning embers can escape and cause a house fire or start larger brush fires.
If you would like to pursue open burning, you must obtain permits from two different agencies (special requirements for each agency will be listed on the permit itself):
· Fire Prevention and Investigation Division – please see Fire Safety Permits.
· Denver Department of Environmental Health – 720-865-5452
Open burning permits are rarely issued to individuals, and permits are never issued for chimineas. If you do obtain permits for open burning in a qualifying outdoor fireplace for a special event, the permits from both agencies indicating their approval must be posted on site and a variety of requirements must be met.
