Most of us love professional fireworks shows, but when our neighbors and others set off illegal fireworks, we don’t feel the love. For those with PTSD or nervous pets, fireworks are an assault on the senses. And with all of us especially skittish about fires, law enforcement understands your concerns. However, they don’t want concerned citizens tying up 911 and delaying responses to true emergencies. That’s why many municipalities and counties are offering alternative ways (including dedicated hotlines and non-emergency dispatch lines) to report illegal fireworks this year.
Some communities are allowing certain fireworks (those that don’t leave the ground) to be legally sold this season. Be sure to check what is and isn’t legal in your town. Photo:
You may have to check with your municipality or county to learn what is and is not legal, but most fireworks that leave the ground or explode are NOT allowed.
If you do call, be prepared to provide an exact address (or as close to one as possible) of illegal fireworks use. General area complaints, for instance “fireworks in the area of 8th and Holly” or “near Congress Park” are difficult to assign resources to.
Adams County — Call 303-288-1535.
Arvada — Call 303-980-7340.
Aurora — From July 1 to 5, call 303-627-5678 or .
Boulder County — Call 303-441-4444.
Broomfield — Call 303-438-6400.
Castle Rock — Call 303-663-6100.
Commerce City — Call 303-288-1535.
Denver — Call 720-913-2059 or use .
Douglas County — Call 303-660-7500
Fort Collins — Use this .
Golden — Call 303-980-7340.
Jefferson County — Call 303-980-7340 or .
Lakewood — Call 303-980-7340.
Longmont — Call 303-651-8501 or use this .
Loveland — Call 970-962-2110.
Northglenn — Call 303-288-1535.
Parker — Call 303-841-9800.
Thornton — Call 720-977-5150.
Weld County — Call 970-350-9600.
Westminster — Call 303-658-4360.
Wheat Ridge — Call 303-980-7340.
Note: The more information you can provide on the people shooting off fireworks, the better your chances they will be apprehended and fined.
This includes taking videos or photos of people setting off fireworks, providing suspect information (name, license plate or address), signing a formal complaint that you saw the action occur and/or being a witness in court.